Trump Seeks Russian Mediation for U.S.-Iran Talks on Nuclear Issues
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly engaged Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate talks with Iran concerning its nuclear program and proxy activities. Key Trump administration officials also met with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted Russia’s commitment to facilitating negotiations, amid rising concerns of conflict between the U.S. and Iran which has persisted since Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018.
According to a recent Bloomberg report, U.S. President Donald Trump reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program and backing of hostile proxies to the U.S. Following this conversation, members of the Trump administration engaged in talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed that Russia supports negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, stressing that Moscow is eager to contribute to this dialogue.
During a press conference in Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei noted that multiple parties might show willingness to assist with significant matters. This development reflects Trump’s recent efforts to improve relations with Russia, a relationship that deteriorated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trump’s approach has softened, with his administration indicating an openness to dialogue with Iran, contrasting the previous strategy of maximizing pressure.
In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, impacting the nuclear deal established during the Obama administration. Ryan Costello from the National Iranian American Council highlighted the importance of mediation between the U.S. and Iran, emphasizing that current trends indicate a potential escalation towards conflict. His comments suggest that negotiations are critical at this juncture to avert war and proliferation between the two nations.
The involvement of Russia in these discussions is notable, given the strategic alliance formed between Russia and Iran through a 20-year partnership treaty signed earlier this year. This treaty encompasses defense, technological cooperation, and mutual support against security threats, solidifying their collaborative efforts. Russia has strengthened ties with Iran and other nations, including China and North Korea, amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In summary, recent interactions between the U.S. and Russia suggest a potential thaw in relations, exemplified by Trump’s outreach to broker talks with Iran. Observers stress the urgency of negotiations to prevent escalating tensions and emphasize Russia’s increasing role as a mediator. The strategic alliance between Iran and Russia may further complicate these discussions, indicating a complex geopolitical landscape moving forward.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
