U.S.-Iran talks: international expert suggests whom Russia may help

He shared this during a broadcast on Espreso.

“In Iran itself, attitudes toward Moscow are quite skeptical, in the sense that Moscow is unlikely to truly help Iran in negotiations with the U.S. As for the relationship between the two countries, there is a comprehensive cooperation agreement between Russia and Iran, but it does not, for example, provide for mutual defense of the countries’ territories. Accordingly, Iranians also see this agreement as rather lacking in prospects, especially from the standpoint of war with the U.S.,” he stated.

Politically, Russia can undoubtedly play some role, but even mediation in this case appears quite vague. That is, they could act as observers in the process—just as, for example, Europeans are now expected to join the negotiations in Rome, Semivolos said.

“Iranians would like to expand the format of the negotiations, as this would give them more leverage. If it’s only a specific American position, each side is now trying to find arguments. The negotiations are not limited to the Russians; the Iranians are also holding intensive talks with Europeans and are searching for the best possible option they could present to the Americans,” he added.

As of now, the next round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran is set to take place in Rome, Semivolos said.

According to him, the Iranians acted fairly well at the initial stage of negotiations, managing to extend the process and clearly define “red lines.” These “red lines” will evidently remain at the center of discussions.

“It is likely that Iran will refuse the idea of transferring enriched uranium to Moscow, as they consider it a guarantee against repeating the Libyan scenario. Iran will insist that IAEA representatives be allowed to visit storage sites to ensure strict control. All of this aligns with Iran’s international obligations, and each party now seeks to gain maximum advantage following the initial phase of talks, understanding that a direct conflict would be extremely costly and have unpredictable consequences,” the international affairs expert concluded.

• On Saturday, April 12, the American and Iranian delegations held talks on Tehran’s nuclear program in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Both sides called the talks productive and agreed to meet again.

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to Moscow ahead of the second round of negotiations with the U.S. on Tehran’s nuclear program.

• U.S. President Donald Trump believes that Iran is deliberately delaying a nuclear deal with Washington. Tehran must abandon any ambition to develop nuclear weapons.