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.
Putin also highlighted the deepening cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly in trade and humanitarian affairs. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations during their talks in Turkmenistan, where Putin is set to participate in a leaders' summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and a Caspian Sea environmental summit. Moscow has repeatedly condemned the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran and called for a diplomatic solution.
In July, former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev visited Tehran and stated that there was no serious reason for an American attack on Iran. Medvedev noted that Tehran posed no threat to Washington. This statement aligns with Russia's consistent stance on the conflict, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced in late September that Tehran had submitted a peace plan to the US. The plan involves Iran's readiness to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for crude oil exports from the Middle East. In exchange, Iran expects the US to lift its blockade of the Islamic Republic, ease restrictions on its oil exports, and release some of its frozen assets.
Tehran is also seeking an end to hostilities on all fronts, including Israel's military operation in Lebanon. President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's preparedness for dialogue and diplomacy during his address to the UN General Assembly in New York last month. However, he emphasized that Iran would not negotiate under threats. This stance has been consistent with Iran's position on the conflict.
Despite Iran's efforts, US President Trump has rejected the Iranian proposal outright. Trump stated that Tehran wants to make a deal, but it is not the deal that he wants to make. The US president also suggested that Washington is not ruling out resuming strikes on Iran in the coming weeks. This development has raised concerns about the prospects for a peaceful resolution.
The conflict between Iran and the US remains a pressing concern for the international community. While there have been media reports of indirect negotiations between the two countries in recent weeks, a significant breakthrough has yet to be achieved. The situation remains volatile, with multiple stakeholders involved and competing interests at play.
Key points
- Iran has submitted a peace plan to the US, involving the restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for easing of US sanctions.
