Russia is ready to offer its services as a mediator to resolve the ongoing crisis between the United States and Iran if called upon, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, told Izvestia.
"Of course, if necessary, Russia is ready to provide mediation services. We have the relevant experience," Ulyanov stated. He recalled the 2021–2022 Vienna negotiations to restore the nuclear deal, during which the Russian delegation frequently assisted Western and Iranian representatives in finding common ground, efforts for which both sides expressed deep appreciation.
"I believe Tehran would willingly accept our mediation in the current situation," the diplomat observed. "However, the Americans have made it clear they do not feel they need intermediaries, suggesting Washington can handle these tasks independently. In reality, the Americans are handling things quite poorly."
Ulyanov characterized the current US approach as an "ultimatum" rather than a negotiation. He noted that whenever the Iranian side attempts to suggest adjustments, the US tends to "end the conversation and resort to military force."
The permanent representative expressed skepticism regarding a swift return to the negotiation table. While the US is focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Iran’s primary interest remains the removal of American sanctions. Ulyanov concluded that since these objectives cannot be achieved through military means, diplomatic negotiations will eventually become the only viable path forward.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS