Russia offers mediation role in rising US–Iran tensions

Russia's Permanent Representative to international organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said Moscow is ready to act as a mediator to help resolve tensions between the United States and Iran.

In an interview with Izvestia, Ulyanov said Russia has relevant experience and could offer mediation services if needed.

“Of course, if necessary, Russia is ready to provide mediation services. We have the appropriate experience. During the Vienna negotiations on restoring the Iran nuclear deal (2021–2022), our delegation repeatedly helped Western representatives and the Iranians find common ground,” the diplomat said.

Ulyanov noted that restarting the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran is currently complicated. However, he stressed that the central issues — preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and lifting sanctions on Tehran — cannot be resolved through military means.

He added that Tehran would likely welcome Russia’s mediation under the current circumstances. According to Ulyanov, however, the United States has indicated that it does not require intermediaries and believes it can manage the situation independently.

“In reality, the Americans are doing a very poor job of it,” Ulyanov said.

By Vafa Guliyeva