U.S. President Donald Trump seeks Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assistance in facilitating talks with Iran regarding its nuclear program and regional conflicts. This initiative arose from a February 12 phone call, leading to further discussions between U.S. and Russian officials. Despite ongoing pressures and sanctions imposed by the U.S., Iran’s leadership remains opposed to negotiations with Washington, complicating efforts for resolution.
In a recent report by Bloomberg, it has been disclosed that U.S. President Donald Trump has solicited assistance from Russian President Vladimir Putin to mediate discussions with Iran concerning its nuclear program and its engagement in regional conflicts. This topic was raised during a phone conversation on February 12, which has led to further diplomatic dialogues in subsequent meetings involving senior officials from both nations.
Following the phone call, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov examined the potential for Russia’s involvement in U.S.-Iran diplomacy during their meeting on February 18 in Saudi Arabia. A week later, Lavrov visited Tehran, where he provided insights to Iranian officials about the ongoing discussions with Washington, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that effective dialogue is essential for resolving the issues between the U.S. and Iran, stating, “The United States and Iran should resolve all problems through negotiations.” He further asserted that Moscow is prepared to facilitate these discussions.
Since his inauguration, President Trump has intensified his “maximum pressure” approach towards Iran by imposing stricter sanctions. At the same time, he has advocated for renewed negotiations, despite Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, firmly rejecting any discussions with the U.S., a sentiment echoed by Iran’s moderate President Masoud Pezeshkian.
As relations between Russia and Iran deepen amid sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict and Iran’s nuclear activities, it remains uncertain how Iran would respond to any communications from the U.S. conveyed through Russia. Notably, concerns persist regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions, with the nation maintaining that its program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, recent reports from Reuters indicate that several Russian missile experts visited Iran from April to September 2024 for reasons that remain undisclosed. This development underscores the continuing intricacies of the cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
This article outlines President Donald Trump’s request for Russian President Vladimir Putin to serve as a mediator for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. While discussions are taking place, the response from Iran remains uncertain, as they continue to express resistance towards negotiations with the U.S. In light of increasing cooperation between Russia and Iran amidst international sanctions, the geopolitical landscape concerning their nuclear ambitions and regional influence is complex and evolving.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
