Trump has asked Putin to help mediate U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions. This was proposed during a phone call and later discussed by high-ranking officials. Iran remains resistant to talks, while relations between Russia and Iran deepen amid sanctions and military collaboration. The outcome of U.S. overtures delivered via Russia is uncertain.
U.S. President Donald Trump has requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to act as a facilitator in negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program and its role in regional conflicts. This request was made during a phone call on February 12. Following this, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov engaged in discussions about this diplomatic role during their meeting in Saudi Arabia on February 18.
Lavrov visited Tehran shortly after these discussions, where he updated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the U.S. interests in diplomacy with Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that, “The United States and Iran should resolve all problems through negotiations,” highlighting Russia’s willingness to support these efforts.
Since taking office, Trump has intensified his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, increasing sanctions while also advocating for renewed negotiations with Tehran. However, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected any dialogue with the U.S. amid an environment where Iran’s moderate President Masoud Pezeshkian upholds this stance.
Iran and Russia have strengthened their alliance, especially in light of Western sanctions, with Russia using Iranian drones in its military operations in Ukraine. The potential receptiveness of Iran to U.S. overtures communicated through Russia remains uncertain.
Hours before this report, Reuters indicated that seven Russian missile specialists had made multiple trips to Iran between April and September 2024, although their purpose remains undisclosed. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful use, despite widespread concerns in Western nations about possible arms development.
In summary, Trump has sought Putin’s assistance in mediating U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, although Iran’s leadership remains resistant to dialogue with the U.S. Amid increasing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, the potential for constructive discussions appears limited. Ongoing developments and interactions between these nations continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning nuclear non-proliferation and regional stability.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
