Trump seeks Russia’s help to mediate nuclear talks with Iran
This diplomatic move comes at a time when Russia and Iran have deepened their cooperation.
US President Donald Trump has requested Russia's assistance in facilitating communication with Iran on critical issues, including Tehran's nuclear programme and its support for anti-US proxy groups in the Middle East.
According to Bloomberg, Trump conveyed this request directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin in February, and it was later discussed between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a meeting in Riyadh a few days after the phone call, sources familiar with the matter said.
More To Read
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia's willingness to mediate, stating that Moscow believes that the United States and Iran should resolve their differences through negotiations and that Russia is ready to do everything it can to facilitate this process.
Iran's Foreign Ministry responded cautiously, stating that it was "natural" for countries to offer assistance in resolving such complex issues.
Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasised that many nations might present offers of help given the significance of the matters at hand, although no official acknowledgement was made about Russia's role in mediation.
Since taking office, Trump has signalled his desire to engage with Russia on several fronts, including efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
His request for Russian assistance in dealing with Iran underscores his broader geopolitical strategy of rebuilding ties with Moscow.
Despite his "maximum pressure" stance toward Iran, aiming to re-impose sanctions and target Iran's security forces, Trump has also expressed interest in negotiating a "verified nuclear peace agreement" with Tehran.
This diplomatic move comes at a time when Russia and Iran have deepened their cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, and security, with Russia utilising Iranian drones in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
However, Iran's stance toward direct talks with the US remains complicated. Many hardliners in Tehran, particularly within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the judiciary, oppose engaging with Washington, citing distrust following Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Despite these challenges, experts suggest that both the US and Iran are exploring channels of communication.
Nikolay Kozhanov, an associate professor at Qatar university's gulf studies centre, noted that any agreement between the US and Iran would be complex, potentially involving US sanctions relief in exchange for Iran limiting its regional ambitions.
The United Nations' nuclear watchdog also urged the US and Iran to resume talks, as Tehran's stockpile of fissile material continues to grow.
The unfolding developments highlight the potential role of Russia as a key intermediary, with its involvement possibly reducing the risk of further escalation in the Middle East.
Top Stories Today
