Russia signals readiness to mediate US-Iran talks Before It’s Too Late

Russia has expressed its readiness to play a role in facilitating a constructive dialogue between the United States and Iran.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with Russian magazine that Moscow is willing to offer its assistance to both Washington and Tehran in rebuilding relations, Caliber.Az reports.

"The time is not yet lost. The train has not left the station," Ryabkov said, urging both sides to seize the opportunity for dialogue. He emphasised that while the consequences of continued tensions are clear, there is still time to act, and Russia is prepared to support efforts towards a reasonable agreement.

To recall, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on March 30 that the U.S. would face a “strong reciprocal blow” if it follows through on President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Tehran unless a new nuclear deal is reached. Trump's threat, reiterated on the same day, gave Iran a two-month window to decide on his offer for talks outlined in a letter sent in early March.

Khamenei dismissed the possibility of a U.S. attack but emphasized that any aggression would be met with retaliation. He stated, “The enmity from the U.S. and Israel has always been there. They threaten to attack us, which we don’t think is very probable, but if they commit any mischief they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow.”

Furthermore, Khamenei warned against attempts to incite unrest within Iran, adding, “And if they are thinking of causing sedition inside the country as in past years, the Iranian people themselves will deal with them.”

Iran has historically blamed Western powers for unrest in the country, including the 2022-2023 protests over the death of Mahsa Amini and the 2019 fuel price protests.

In response to the U.S. letter, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that Tehran would not engage in direct negotiations with Washington but was open to indirect discussions in line with Khamenei’s directive. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned Trump’s threat, calling it “a shocking affront to the very essence of international peace and security.” He further stated, “Violence breeds violence, peace begets peace. The U.S. can choose the course and concede to consequences.”

Trump’s 2017 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the subsequent reimposition of U.S. sanctions have led to Iran exceeding the uranium enrichment limits established by the agreement. Western nations remain concerned over Iran’s potential nuclear weapons development, although Tehran insists its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev