Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s representative to international organizations, has criticized Donald Trump’s proposal for a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program, calling it “unsubstantiated” and driven by ideological considerations.
Writing on X on Saturday, 26 Sawr, Ulyanov questioned the logic behind the proposal, asking: “Why 20 years and not 15 or 25 years?”
He warned that if such an approach fails, the United States should not complain about the collapse of negotiations.
Trump had earlier stated that he supports a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program but stressed that the commitment must be “real.”
The U.S. president said a temporary slowdown or limited restriction of Iran’s nuclear activities would not be sufficient for Washington.
Speaking aboard Air Force One after departing Beijing on Friday, Trump said in response to a question about Iran’s proposal: “If I don’t like the first sentence, I don’t read the rest.”
He added that Iran must fully accept that it cannot obtain nuclear weapons.
Trump also emphasized that he means “a real 20 years,” not an agreement that merely reduces nuclear activities temporarily.
The latest statements from Russian and American officials highlight continuing disagreements over how Iran’s nuclear program should be restricted and monitored.
Analysts say the dispute is not only about limiting Iran’s nuclear activities but also about the duration, enforcement mechanisms, and definition of what constitutes a credible suspension.
Experts also believe Russia is trying to position itself as a more pragmatic and balanced actor in the negotiations while portraying Washington’s demands as excessively rigid and politically driven.
According to observers, the growing gap between major powers on the future framework of a nuclear agreement could further complicate already fragile negotiations with Tehran.
