Head of Center for Contemporary Iran Studies in Russia Recep Safarov said here on Saturday that the US considers Iran as an obstacle on the way of its goals in the Middle East and is trying to make Iran accept its hegemonic policies in the region.

 

In an interview with Russian TV network 'Top Secret', Safarov said that Iran is a regional power and a country with special position in the Middle East and there is no place for nuclear arsenal in its military doctrine.

The Russian expert added that Iran has always wanted to have positive and good relations with regional and European countries and is not a subject of concern for international community.

In another part of his views concerning Iran, the Russian expert said that the US with the help of Israel and using its news media is trying to introduce Iran as a threat for security while Washington and its allies are the main elements for tension.

He added that the US is opposed to Iran's progress, and that's why it is calling for a halt to Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

The Russian scientist stressed that Iran's all activities related to nuclear program are in the framework of International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA) regulations and laws and there has been no report on military nature of Iran's nuclear activities by IAEA, so far.

He said that Iran like any other country in the world is interested in absorbing foreign investment, but the US by imposing pressure and threat is trying to stop economic cooperation with that country.

Because Iran is independent in its policies and enjoys influence in the region and is opposed to the US policies, it is not accepted by US and Washington tries to change Iran's policies and make it accept its own policies, the Russian expert said.

Head of contemporary Iran Studies Center in Russia criticized certain Russian politicians for supporting Western stances and said that a number of these politicians do not take any decision without considering US, so Moscow for this reason will lose its regional interests.

Safarov added that cooperation with Iran will meet Russian strategic interest. He recommended Russian statesmen strengthen ties and cooperation with Iran and said that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad enjoys support of majority in the Iranian society.

Safarov said way of life and spiritual values in Iran are not comparable with western societies, adding that Iranians with an old civilization and rich culture are very different from western societies and Russians should get acquainted more with such nation and expand cooperation with them.