Russia has agreed to mediate talks between the U.S. and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear program, as per reports following a call between Trump and Putin. U.S. officials have engaged with Russian counterparts to facilitate this dialogue. This development represents a shift in Trump’s approach to both Russia and Iran, moving towards potential negotiations.
Recent reports indicate that Russia has agreed to facilitate discussions between Iran and the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear program and its support for anti-U.S. proxies. This development comes after a phone call in February between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, arranging for such conversations, as detailed by Bloomberg news.
Subsequent discussions took place between U.S. officials and Russian counterparts in mid-February during talks in Saudi Arabia that included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed that Russia believes negotiations are the solution for U.S. and Iranian issues, and expressed Russia’s readiness to facilitate this dialogue.
Additionally, a White House official disclosed that Russia voluntarily offered to mediate without a formal request from the U.S. In a statement regarding the potential for negotiations, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that multiple parties could show goodwill to assist in these ongoing matters.
This diplomatic engagement marks a surprising shift in Trump’s approach towards Russia following tensions due to the Ukraine invasion. Notably, Trump is signaling a willingness to engage with both Russia and Iran, contrasting with his earlier “maximum pressure” strategy towards Iran implemented during his first term.
The discussions between the U.S., Russia, and Iran signify a potential shift in diplomatic relations concerning Iran’s nuclear activities. Trump appears more open to negotiation than in previous years, which could lead to a new agreement. Russia’s role as a mediator reflects its strategic partnership with Iran and highlights the evolving dynamics in U.S.-Iran relations.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
