Russia has volunteered to broker a meeting between the United States and Iran as a way to defuse the tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear plans, a knowledgeable source said Tuesday. The Kremlin has promised to broker a solution peacefully, affirming its preference for diplomacy as a means to solve the crisis.
It was confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to Russia’s state-owned Zvezda media that President Vladimir Putin had agreed to mediate in negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Nevertheless, the source made it clear that while the offer was extended by Russia, it was not requested by Washington to take up the role.
Iran’s mission to the UN refused to comment on the development.
The expansion comes after the change in US policy under the leadership of President Donald Trump, whose government took a more conciliatory route towards Moscow. The approach, however, is worrying Western allies, particularly amid Trump’s moves to end Russia’s conflict-ridden Ukraine occupation.
Peskov reaffirmed Moscow’s devotion to Iran as a “partner and ally.” He emphasized that Putin is convinced the Iranian nuclear crisis must be resolved peacefully and promised Russia’s help in doing so.
Trump recently revived his “maximum pressure” campaign to slow Iran’s nuclear drive but has also shown willingness to engage in direct talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
At the same time, Iran has been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, triggering renewed alarm from the UN nuclear watchdog and Western powers. In reply, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Washington’s strong opposition to Tehran’s nuclear pursuits.
With the timing of the 2015 nuclear deal’s UN resolution expiring next year, the US and its European partners are weighing imposing international sanctions on Iran to block it from obtaining nukes.