Putin to Mediate U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Amid Sanctions and Pressure

President Putin has agreed to mediate talks between the Trump Administration and Iran regarding the latter’s nuclear program and regional activities. Trump seeks to maintain diplomatic channels while maximizing pressure through sanctions. Despite strict enforcement, there is an openness to negotiate a new nuclear deal. Russia’s involvement is viewed as vital for achieving a resolution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to assist in mediating negotiations between the Trump Administration and Iran, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program and its support for militant groups in the Middle East. This development was revealed by unnamed sources within Moscow who provided information to Bloomberg.

U.S. President Donald Trump initially requested Russian assistance during a phone call with Putin last month. This topic was reiterated in subsequent U.S.-Russia discussions held in Saudi Arabia shortly thereafter.

In the first weeks of his presidency, Donald Trump reemphasized the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, aiming to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons and to counter its influence in the region. The White House remarked that Trump would not accept Iran having any capability for nuclear weapons or its ongoing sponsorship of terrorism, particularly impacting U.S. interests.

This pressure campaign seeks to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero, and last week, the U.S. implemented further sanctions against Iran’s shadow fleet. This latest round of sanctions targeted over thirty individuals and vessels tied to the sale and transport of Iranian petroleum products.

Nonetheless, President Trump has expressed an openness to negotiating a new nuclear agreement with Iran. He communicated on the social media platform Truth Social that he favors a “Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement” to foster Iran’s peaceful growth and prosperity and indicated the need to commence discussions promptly.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked on the prospect of Russian mediation in U.S.-Iran negotiations, stating that Russia believes issues between the two nations should be resolved through discussions and that it is prepared to facilitate such efforts as necessary.

In summary, President Putin’s willingness to mediate U.S.-Iran discussions indicates a potential shift in diplomatic relations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Despite ongoing sanctions and pressure from the U.S., President Trump remains hopeful for a negotiated agreement. The cooperation of Russia in this regard may play a crucial role in future negotiations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in resolving international disputes.

Original Source: oilprice.com