Trump Seeks Putin’s Help in U.S.-Iran Nuclear Negotiations
President Trump has sought President Putin’s assistance in mediating talks with Iran about its nuclear program. This initiative follows discussions at high levels in both nations, amid increasing tensions and cooperation between Russia and Iran as they navigate sanctions. The receptiveness of Iran to U.S. overtures through Russia is uncertain, highlighting the complexities in these international relations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program and regional militias, as reported by Bloomberg. This proposition was discussed during a phone conversation on February 12, followed by a discussion between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about Moscow’s potential diplomatic role during a meeting in Saudi Arabia on February 18.
Subsequent to these discussions, Lavrov visited Tehran, where he updated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about the dialogues with Washington. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted, “The United States and Iran should resolve all problems through negotiations. [Moscow] is ready to do everything in its power to achieve this.”
Since Trump’s inauguration in January, he has intensified his “maximum pressure” approach toward Iran, imposing stricter sanctions while simultaneously expressing a desire for renewed negotiations. However, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with moderate President Masoud Pezeshkian, has firmly rejected any talks with the U.S.
Russia and Iran have strengthened their collaboration amid ongoing Western sanctions against both nations. Despite Western apprehensions regarding Iran’s nuclear aspirations, Tehran insists that its nuclear endeavors are for peaceful purposes. Meanwhile, there are uncertainties surrounding Iran’s receptivity to U.S. overtures conveyed through Russia.
On a related note, a Reuters report indicated that seven Russian missile specialists, associated with senior military backgrounds, traveled to Iran between April and September 2024 for unspecified reasons.
In summary, the article highlights President Trump’s request to President Putin for assistance in mediating discussions with Iran concerning its nuclear program. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics reflect complex relationships involving sanctions and diplomacy, as both Iran and Russia strengthen their ties amid these pressures. The outcome of these potential negotiations remains uncertain, particularly considering Iran’s current stance on talks with the United States.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
