Russia’s Vladimir Putin has endorsed U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations during a call with President Trump, offering Russian support for global security efforts as the two nations work toward a potential deal.
At a Glance
- Putin formally endorsed U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations during a call with President Trump
- Iran is actively engaging with Russia while preparing for indirect talks with the U.S.
- Russia and Iran are strengthening their strategic partnership amid shared Western sanctions
- The U.S. is offering potential deals to both countries – a nuclear program agreement for Iran and a Ukraine deal for Russia
- Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to support global security efforts and prevent nuclear proliferation
Putin’s Endorsement of U.S.-Iran Negotiations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially endorsed nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The endorsement was confirmed by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, signaling Russia’s approval of the diplomatic process addressing Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
This development comes as the United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to potential agreement, with Putin explicitly offering Russian support for global security initiatives and expressing Russia’s desire to work with other nations to prevent nuclear proliferation.
The timing of Putin’s endorsement coincides with reports that Iran is preparing for another round of indirect talks with the United States. The Russian leader’s support indicates Moscow’s strategic interest in remaining involved in the diplomatic process while potentially positioning itself as a facilitator in resolving international security concerns. Putin’s offer of Russian support emphasizes Moscow’s desire to be recognized as a key player in global security matters despite ongoing tensions with Western nations.
🇺🇸🇮🇷U.S. & IRAN MAY MEET FOR NEW NUCLEAR TALKS THIS WEEKEND IN OMAN
The U.S. and Iran are planning to restart nuclear talks this weekend, most likely on Sunday, May 11, in Oman's capital, Muscat.
The talks were originally supposed to happen on May 3 in Rome but got delayed… https://t.co/hWtR8XMafN pic.twitter.com/8Eh4A6x1SU
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 6, 2025
Iran’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Iran is actively engaging with Russia and other countries in anticipation of the next round of indirect talks with the United States. Tehran’s diplomatic strategy appears focused on hedging against potential fallout from U.S. negotiations by strengthening ties with China, Russia, and certain European nations. This approach allows Iran to maintain leverage in nuclear talks while ensuring it has alternative partnerships if negotiations with Washington fail to yield favorable outcomes.
Recent diplomatic meetings between Iranian and Russian officials highlight the deepening relationship between the two nations. The Tehran Dialogue Forum has specifically emphasized both countries’ commitment to reinforcing bilateral relations across multiple sectors. Both nations, facing Western sanctions, have found common ground and mutual benefit in their partnership, with Iran providing military technology to Russia while securing economic and diplomatic support in return.
Off Leash update 16 May
UKRAINE AND RUSSIA
•After Pres. Putin snubbed him for peace talks in Istanbul, Pres. Zelensky – who had already arrived in Turkey – instead met with Turkey's Pres. Erdogan in Ankara and sent a downsized delegation led by his defense minister to meet…— ErikDPrince (@realErikDPrince) May 16, 2025
Evolving Strategic Partnership
Russia and Iran’s relationship has evolved from allies of convenience to strategic partners united by their opposition to Western influence. Russia, under pressure due to its war in Ukraine, has sought to bypass Western sanctions by finding solidarity and strategic outlets through its partnership with Iran. The collaboration extends to drone technology, with Iran providing kamikaze drones to Russia, as well as cooperation in Syria and energy agreements benefitting both nations.
Iran has expressed interest in developing a north-south economic corridor that would enhance regional trade, while Russia benefits from Iranian military technology and diplomatic support in international forums. Both countries share a rejection of the post-Cold War global order and advocate for what they describe as a “multipolar” world less dominated by Western powers. This alignment of geopolitical interests has cemented their partnership beyond short-term convenience.
U.S. Diplomatic Initiatives
The U.S. administration appears to be pursuing parallel diplomatic tracks, offering potential deals to both Iran and Russia. For Iran, this could mean securing an agreement regarding its nuclear program, while Russia might be looking at a potential arrangement concerning Ukraine. Putin’s endorsement of the U.S.-Iran talks suggests Russia sees value in supporting this diplomatic process while maintaining its own strategic interests in the region and in its relationship with Iran.
As these diplomatic efforts unfold, the U.S. faces the challenge of addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions while navigating the complex relationship between Tehran and Moscow. Iran’s strategy of strengthening ties with Russia while engaging in talks with the U.S. demonstrates the complex geopolitical calculations at play. For American interests, finding a path that addresses nuclear proliferation concerns while acknowledging the strategic realities of the Russia-Iran partnership remains a significant diplomatic challenge.
