Russia has pledged to assist the U.S. in negotiating Iran’s nuclear program amidst ongoing diplomatic shifts related to Ukraine. Trump seeks to improve U.S.-Russia relations and has initiated discussions with both parties. Moscow and Tehran’s cooperation has been bolstered since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with significant military exchanges occurring. This context suggests evolving dynamics in international diplomacy and potential future collaborations between the U.S. and Russia.
On March 4, Bloomberg reported that Russia has agreed to assist the U.S. in negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program and its backing of regional anti-American groups. This development comes as efforts to rekindle U.S.-Russia relations gain momentum under President Trump’s administration, following strained ties due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022.
Trump expressed an interest in engaging Iran during a phone conversation with Russian President Putin in February. Soon after, both U.S. and Russian delegations engaged in discussions about this matter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to Bloomberg’s sources.
Historically, Russia has maintained strong ties with Iran, which have deepened post-Ukraine invasion. Iran has supplied Russia with drones and ballistic missiles that have been employed in assaults on Ukrainian cities, while Russia has commenced the manufacturing of its drone variant, the Geran-2, with Iranian assistance.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia advocates for resolving U.S.-Iran issues through negotiations and stated that Moscow would strive to facilitate these discussions. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai acknowledged that it is common for countries to extend assistance for the resolution of significant international issues.
On a different note, Trump has shifted U.S. support away from Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv shares culpability for the ongoing conflict, a stance that has received commendation from Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Furthermore, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that following the conclusion of the war, the U.S. and Russia could explore significant economic collaborations, such as initiatives in Arctic development and rare earth resource extraction.
In summary, Russia’s commitment to assist the U.S. in negotiations with Iran marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations amid rising tensions due to military actions in Ukraine. Trump’s interest in dialogue reflects a broader strategy to improve U.S.-Russia relations. Meanwhile, Putin’s administration appears to be gaining favor from Trump’s criticized stance on Ukraine, suggesting potential future collaboration. This situation underscores the complex interplay of international relations involved in nuclear negotiations.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com