Russia ready to support US-Iran settlement: Deputy Foreign Minister

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Apr 2025 17:32

The Russian deputy foreign minister affirmed Russia's readiness to assist in Iran-US talks, warning that any attack on Iran could have dire consequences for the region.

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko during a video conference on "Union State: Opening New Opportunities" at the International Multimedia Press Center of Rossiya Segodnya in Moscow, Russia, April 2, 2025 (RIA Novosti)

Russia is ready to assist in the settlement between Iran and the United States, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko indicated on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iranian and US representatives are set to meet in Oman on April 12 for high-level indirect talks.

"Russia always provides all possible assistance when it comes to resolving any crisis or conflict. This is also relevant to the situation around Iran," Rudenko stated, warning that any US attack on Iran could lead to deplorable consequences for the Middle East.

"Negotiations are currently taking place in Oman, mediated by Oman, between the United States and Iran, and we hope that our efforts will not be required. But if necessary, of course, we will provide all possible assistance," the Russian diplomat said.

In the event of a US attack on Iran, Russia will not be obligated to provide military aid but will take all necessary steps to help settle the situation, he pointed out.

The wider context

Rudenko's remarks come ahead of high-level indirect talks between the two countries, scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday. The meeting was also reported by The New York Times, citing Iranian officials familiar with the matter.

It is worth noting that Trump claimed on Monday that Washington and Tehran began direct talks over the Iranian nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House, Trump said, "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. And I think everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable," he told reporters.

The US president has been advocating for direct negotiations on a new agreement to limit Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei lately described Iran’s offer for indirect talks as “generous, responsible, and wise.”

There is increasing speculation that "Israel", potentially with US backing, may strike Iranian nuclear sites if no agreement is reached.

Trump warned that Iran would be in "great danger" if direct talks between Washington and Tehran fail.

"I think if the talks aren't successful with Iran, I think Iran's going to be in great danger," he said with Netanyahu at his side. "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and if the talks aren't successful I actually think it will be a very bad day for Iran."