Russia signals readiness to mediate between US and Iran

Moscow has expressed readiness to act as a mediator in talks between the United States and Iran amid a sharp escalation and widespread protests in the Islamic Republic. 

Officials in Moscow emphasised their support for a diplomatic resolution and efforts to de-escalate the situation, per Russian media.

Switzerland has also signalled its willingness to facilitate dialogue. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has cut off contacts with Tehran and suggested that Washington may consider military intervention.

For nearly three weeks, large-scale protests have been sweeping Iran, with some describing them as the biggest in the past decade. Media reports have cited more than 2,000 fatalities, a high death toll also acknowledged by the country’s vice president, Ahmad Musavi. The U.S.-based human rights organisation HRANA reported that, according to its data, the number of deaths has surpassed 2,500.

US media, citing multiple sources, including one inside Iran, reported that activist groups compiling data from hospitals and medical staff now estimate the death toll at a minimum of 12,000, with some assessments placing it at 20,000 or more. These figures have not been independently verified, and the sources stressed that strict communication restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities likely contribute to major underreporting.

The unrest began with a sharp drop in the value of the national currency but quickly escalated into political demonstrations demanding the government’s removal. The U.S. and Indian embassies have urged their citizens to leave the country.

Donald Trump has repeatedly stated he is prepared to launch military strikes against Tehran, and on January 12, he announced the cancellation of all diplomatic meetings with Iranian officials. He also urged protesters to seize government institutions, adding that “help is on its way.” Media reports have suggested that U.S. military intervention in Iran could occur within the next 24 hours.

Moscow continues to call for de-escalation and has declared its readiness to mediate between the U.S. and Iran. Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma’s Committee on International Affairs, stressed that Russia “consistently advocates a diplomatic settlement of the situation surrounding Iran and opposes interference in the country’s internal affairs, especially military intervention.” He said Russia stands ready at all levels to facilitate negotiations and remains in contact with parliamentary counterparts. He added that “Iran is a strategic partner of Russia.”

Speaking to journalists on January 14, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also emphasised that relations between Russia and Iran cannot be altered by any third party.

By Tamilla Hasanova