Russia to Mediate Nuclear Negotiations Between Iran and the US: Strategic Support is in the Horizon

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (left) and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engage in diplomatic efforts to mediate U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations.Photo: Al Mayadeen.

April 18, 2025 Hour: 5:12 pm

Moscow has offered to mediate in nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, as Iran demands a “realistic” approach and warns against the “pressure” of sanctions. Lavrov urges the negotiations to remain focused on the nuclear issue.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov cemented a strategic alignment on Friday regarding nuclear negotiations with the US, ahead of the second round of talks set to take place in Rome. Russia, a historic guarantor of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is seeking to reactivate its role as mediator following the collapse of the agreement after Trump’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018.

Lavrov: “Bringing Non-Nuclear Issues to the Table Is Dangerous”

Lavrov emphasized that “loading the talks with issues unrelated to the nuclear program is dangerous,” a clear reference to US demands concerning Iran’s missile program and its influence in Yemen and Lebanon.This stance could be seen as a rejection of US hegemonic policies that seek to impose extraterritorial conditions.

On April 17-18 🇮🇷 Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi was in Moscow. He was received by 🇷🇺 Russian President Vladimir Putin with a letter from Supreme Leader of Iran. Also constructive and comprehensive negotiations were held with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. pic.twitter.com/DttsOaK4ZH
— Russian Embassy in Iran (@RusEmbIran) April 18, 2025

Araghchi warned that “unrealistic demands from the US reduce the chances of success,” while Tehran continues enriching uranium to 60%,close to weapons-grade levels,as a response to sanctions. Progressive organizations have denounced that the Western economic blockade violates the right to sovereign development.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, signed in January 2025, consolidates Moscow and Tehran as allies against a “US-led unipolar order.” Left-wing analysts highlight that this axis challenges the narrative of “dialogue under coercion” and reinforces state self-determination in the face of unilateral sanctions.