Trump has reached out to Russia to facilitate talks with Iran about its nuclear program and regional proxies. Following this, discussions between US and Russian officials took place. Russia expressed its readiness to help, framing this mediation as urgent to avert war. Trump’s shift in approach toward Iran could signify a move towards negotiations, reflective of changing geopolitical dynamics post-Ukraine invasion.
US President Donald Trump reportedly initiated communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin to broker discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program and support for hostile proxies. This outreach occurred during a February phone call, as stated in a Bloomberg article. Shortly after, Trump’s aides engaged in talks with Russian officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed Russia’s belief that all issues between the US and Iran should be resolved through dialogue and expressed Russia’s readiness to facilitate negotiations. An unnamed official from the White House mentioned that Russia proactively offered to mediate without a prior request for involvement.
During a recent press conference in Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei suggested that multiple parties might express goodwill to assist with the negotiations. This shift aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to restore relations with Russia, which deteriorated following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Trump’s approach toward Iran has softened compared to his previous term. While he has reinstated the ‘maximum pressure’ tactics from his first administration, he now expresses a willingness to negotiate, preferring dialogue over military action. Trump previously withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, prompting Iran to pursue its independent course.
Ryan Costello from the National Iranian American Council stressed the urgency of mediation between Iran and the US to avoid conflict escalation. He argued that previous opportunities for negotiations went unseized and that the current relationship dynamics favor the potential for dialogue.
Russia’s invitation to mediate reflects its strategic partnership with Iran, reinforced by a 20-year treaty covering military security and cooperation. This alliance has strengthened following Russia’s engagement with Iran as well as other nations like China and North Korea post-Ukrainian invasion. The White House did not comment by the publication date.
The article discusses the recent developments in US-Iran relations, emphasizing Russia’s role in mediating potential negotiations. It highlights Trump’s evolving stance on engaging with Iran and the critical nature of diplomacy to avoid conflict. Russia’s strategic partnership with Iran further complicates the geopolitical landscape and showcases the interconnectedness of global politics.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
