U.S. President Trump has requested that Russian President Putin mediate talks with Iran concerning its nuclear program and regional issues. Discussions between U.S. and Russian officials suggest a willingness to engage, although Iran’s leaders reject direct negotiations with the U.S. Amidst these developments, the relationship between Russia and Iran continues to strengthen due to mutual support against Western sanctions.
On February 12, U.S. President Donald Trump requested Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assistance in initiating discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program and proxy forces, as reported by Bloomberg. This proposal was further discussed during a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia on February 18. Later, Lavrov visited Tehran and briefed Iranian officials on the U.S.-Russia discussions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the United States and Iran should negotiate to resolve their issues, asserting that Russia is prepared to facilitate this process. Trump’s administration has renewed its “maximum pressure” strategy on Iran, implementing stricter sanctions while calling for diplomatic dialogue.
However, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has expressed a firm rejection of engaging in talks with the U.S., a position also supported by Iran’s moderate President, Masoud Pezeshkian. It remains uncertain how receptive Iran may be to U.S. overtures delivered through Russia, as both nations have strengthened their alliance amidst Western sanctions regarding Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Additionally, a recent report by Reuters highlighted that between April and September 2024, several Russian missile specialists visited Iran for unspecified purposes. Despite longstanding concerns from the West, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful applications.
In summary, President Trump has sought Vladimir Putin’s help in brokering discussions with Iran over its nuclear policy. While Russia appears willing to facilitate dialogue, Iran’s leadership remains resistant to negotiations with the U.S. The evolving dynamics between these countries present a complex geopolitical situation, particularly with the backdrop of ongoing sanctions and military collaborations.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
