Kremlin Says it Supports Direct US-Iran Talks over Nuclear Program
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russia backed both direct and indirect talks between Iran and the US over Tehran’s nuclear program, as they could lead to a de-escalation of tensions between the two sides.
In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s support for a diplomatic and political settlement.
Iranian state media reported on Tuesday that the US and Iran are to hold talks in Oman on April 12.
Russia and Iran have deepened their diplomatic and military ties since Moscow ordered tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Russia has previously offered to help facilitate talks between Tehran and Washington.
Iran had pushed back against Trump’s demands in recent weeks that it directly negotiate over its nuclear program or be bombed, and it appeared to be sticking to that position on Monday.
“We’re having direct talks with Iran, and they’ve started. It’ll go on Saturday. We have a very big meeting, and we’ll see what can happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
