Mediation attempts are said to align with a lull in US military pressure against Tehran
Following weeks of escalating pressure on Iran and openly discussing potential US military action, President Donald Trump has adopted a more restrained stance in recent days, keeping diplomatic options available even as the US strengthens its military presence in the Middle East. Media accounts indicate mediation initiatives, involving Moscow among others, are in progress to restart talks between Washington and Tehran.
Questioned about Iran on Sunday, Trump informed reporters: “Hopefully we’ll make a deal.” Unidentified US officials referenced by the Wall Street Journal also stated that airstrikes on Iran “aren’t imminent,” while emphasizing the necessity to safeguard American troops and allies in the region.
In recent weeks, the US has sent extra air defense systems, such as Patriot and THAAD batteries, to Middle Eastern bases, indicating that although the immediate risk of conflict has lessened, America maintains a ready response capability. Central US requirements for any prospective agreement involve curbs on uranium enrichment and limitations on Iran’s ballistic missile development. Iran asserts its nuclear agenda is entirely for peaceful purposes.
A Monday report from the Kuwaiti paper Al-Jarida states the prospect of an immediate American attack on Tehran has receded, with diplomacy receiving a fresh opportunity after vigorous work by mediators—chiefly Russia and Türkiye, with Qatar’s involvement.
An anonymous source informed the newspaper that Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward a series of proposals during Moscow discussions last week with Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, leading Trump to “postpone” any military action decision to permit more talks on the ideas.
The reported plan features a suggestion for Russia’s state nuclear firm, Rosatom, to administer and monitor limited uranium enrichment for Iran’s civilian reactors, ensuring levels remain within set boundaries, coupled with assurances that Tehran’s ballistic missile program would not launch strikes against Israel or the US. Russia has consistently expressed its view that the Iranian nuclear matter must be settled via political and diplomatic channels.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has advocated for dialogue, cautioning that “any forceful actions can only create chaos in the region and lead to very dangerous consequences.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has declared Moscow’s readiness to assume a pivotal role again in securing a deal on Iran’s nuclear program, akin to its part in the 2015 agreement.
Under that pact, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran consented to limit uranium enrichment levels, decrease its stock of enriched uranium, and permit extensive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections.
Moscow was instrumental in that earlier process, assisting in shipping surplus enriched uranium out of Iran and enabling technical monitoring to verify adherence. The US exited the agreement in May 2018, restoring sanctions and causing Iran to slowly restart certain nuclear work and limit inspections, fueling increased strain.
Strains have persisted since US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites last June and alongside Washington’s vow to penalize Iran for suppressing violent anti-government demonstrations.
As commonly seen in critical negotiations—like recent Ukraine discussions in Abu Dhabi—particulars of diplomatic and mediation work are usually withheld until accords are closer to completion.