The Kremlin has voiced its support for both direct and indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States over the Iranian nuclear program, seeing the talks as a key opportunity to reduce tensions between the two countries. This endorsement, issued by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, comes as discussions are set to take place in Oman in mid-April, potentially marking a significant shift in the strained relationship between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking to reporters, Peskov emphasized Russia’s strong commitment to finding a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the issue. He noted that both direct and indirect contacts between Iran and the United States were planned, with Oman playing a key role in facilitating the discussions. “We know that certain contacts, direct and indirect, are planned in Oman. And, of course, this can only be welcomed because it may lead to a de-escalation of tensions around Iran,” Peskov said.
The talks, which are slated to take place on April 12, have already generated significant interest on the international stage. While Iranian state media has confirmed the date and location for the talks, the nature of the discussions has sparked some confusion. US President Donald Trump had previously suggested that direct talks between Washington and Tehran were imminent. However, Iran’s foreign minister quickly clarified that the discussions would be indirect, mediated by third parties rather than involving face-to-face meetings between US and Iranian officials.
This upcoming round of talks is seen as a crucial step in resolving the long-standing dispute over Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a source of tension between the two nations for years. The United States and its allies have accused Iran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists that its nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes, such as energy production. The differences have led to a series of sanctions, military threats, and diplomatic stalemates, with the risk of conflict always looming.
US President Trump has consistently expressed a willingness to negotiate with Iran, but he has also warned that military action could be on the table if a deal is not reached. His administration’s position on Iran’s nuclear program has been clear: either Iran agrees to a deal that ensures its nuclear ambitions remain peaceful, or it faces severe consequences. These tough warnings, however, have not led to a breakdown in diplomatic efforts, as both sides appear to recognize the dangers of an all-out military confrontation.
At the same time, Russia’s growing involvement in the region has added another layer of complexity to the situation. Moscow has supported Iran in various ways, particularly in military and diplomatic matters. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia and Iran have strengthened their relationship, particularly in the military sphere. Russia has used Iranian-made drones in its operations against Ukrainian forces, signaling a closer bond between the two nations.
Given this, the Kremlin has also offered to play a role in mediating talks between Iran and the United States. Russia’s involvement in the process could add a new dimension to the negotiations, given its growing influence in the Middle East and its strained relations with Washington. While it remains unclear what role Russia will play in the upcoming talks, its involvement could help facilitate a solution to the nuclear dispute, particularly if both sides are open to its mediation efforts.
The backdrop of these talks is significant. Tensions between the US and Iran have been at a high point for years, especially after the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 under President Trump’s administration. The deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was a historic agreement aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the US withdrawal from the agreement and the subsequent re-imposition of economic sanctions on Iran led to a sharp deterioration in relations. In retaliation, Iran began to gradually scale back its commitments under the deal, restarting certain aspects of its nuclear activities.
The ongoing nuclear crisis has not only threatened regional stability in the Middle East but has also posed a significant challenge to global security. The prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran is something that the United States and its allies have strongly opposed, leading to decades of negotiations, sanctions, and military posturing. While the possibility of military conflict has never been ruled out, there is a growing recognition that diplomatic engagement remains the best option to avoid a catastrophic war in the region.
The upcoming talks in Oman come at a critical time. With the US presidential election just around the corner, President Trump may be eager to secure a foreign policy achievement that demonstrates his ability to negotiate with adversaries. Similarly, Iran’s leadership faces significant domestic pressure due to economic hardships exacerbated by international sanctions and the global isolation it has faced over its nuclear program.
For Iran, the talks represent a chance to secure sanctions relief and re-enter the global economic fold. However, the Iranian government must carefully navigate its domestic politics, where hardliners often view any form of negotiation with the West as a sign of weakness. Balancing these internal pressures with the desire for economic recovery will be a delicate task for Tehran’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Russia’s involvement in the diplomatic process underscores the changing dynamics in global politics. With its own tensions with the United States over the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical issues, Russia has positioned itself as a key player in the Middle East. Moscow’s willingness to support diplomatic talks between the US and Iran is not just about the nuclear issue—it also reflects Russia’s broader strategy to assert its influence in a region that has long been dominated by US interests.
As the world watches closely, the success or failure of these talks will have significant consequences. A breakthrough agreement between the US and Iran could lead to a dramatic reduction in regional tensions and the beginning of a new chapter in US-Iran relations. Conversely, if the talks fail or result in another deadlock, the risks of further escalation—both in terms of military conflict and economic fallout—remain high.
