Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Iran is taking concrete steps to resolve its conflict with the US through diplomatic means. During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Turkmenistan, Putin emphasized that Tehran is striving to find a peaceful solution to the war imposed on it. He noted that Iran has recently put forward a proposal aimed at resolving the conflict peacefully and that Moscow is willing to play a constructive role in the process.
Putin's comments come as tensions between Iran and the US remain high. The conflict began when the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran, which Tehran views as an act of aggression. Moscow has repeatedly condemned the US-Israeli military campaign and called for a diplomatic solution. Putin and Pezeshkian also discussed deepening cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly in trade and humanitarian affairs.
In July, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Tehran and stated that there was no serious reason for the American attack, as Tehran posed no threat to Washington. Medvedev's comments reflect Russia's stance on the conflict, which is that it is unjustified and that a diplomatic solution is needed. Iran has also made efforts to submit a peace plan to the US, which includes restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for crude oil exports.
The Iranian peace plan, submitted by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in late September, signals Tehran's readiness to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its own blockade of Iran, easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports, and releasing some of its frozen assets. Tehran is also seeking an end to hostilities on all fronts, including Israel's military operation in Lebanon. The plan has been met with skepticism by the US, with President Trump rejecting it outright.
Despite the skepticism, Iran's President Pezeshkian has reiterated that his country is prepared for dialogue and diplomacy, but will not negotiate under threats. The two countries have engaged in indirect negotiations in recent weeks, but Trump has suggested that Washington is not ruling out resuming strikes on Iran in the coming weeks. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation.
The Russian president's meeting with Pezeshkian took place on the sidelines of a leaders' summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and a Caspian Sea environmental summit in Turkmenistan. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between their countries, particularly in the economic and humanitarian spheres. Russia has been a key ally for Iran in its conflict with the US.
The international community remains concerned about the situation, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The African Union, for example, has urged for a ceasefire and compliance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the need for peaceful solutions to conflicts. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely for any developments.
Key points
- Iran has submitted a peace plan to the US, which includes lifting its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
