Former President Donald Trump claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to participate in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and may help bring the discussions to a swift conclusion. In a post on Truth Social Wednesday, Trump detailed a call lasting over an hour with Putin, during which they reportedly discussed Iran, nuclear weapons, and Russia’s response to a Ukrainian drone strike.
According to Trump, both he and Putin agreed that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. Trump said Putin offered to assist in advancing the talks, expressing willingness to contribute to a speedy resolution. Trump also criticized Iran for delaying negotiations and called for a renewed sense of urgency.
Putin's potential involvement in the nuclear talks would coincide with a growing strategic alignment between Moscow and Tehran, both of whom are actively challenging Western influence on the global stage.
While Russia’s participation could increase pressure on Iran, it also risks shifting the diplomatic balance away from the framework preferred by the United States. Despite its ongoing war in Ukraine and mounting isolation from the West, Russia is signaling its intent to play a more active role in shaping critical international security issues.
Trump claimed Putin stated he was open to joining discussions and "could, perhaps, be helpful" in nudging Iran toward a final nuclear agreement. Although Russia was a signatory to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—a multilateral accord that limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief—it has become less involved following shifts in international dynamics and the U.S. withdrawal from the deal during Trump's presidency.
Following the call, Putin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed Trump’s account, stating that Trump believes Russian involvement may be essential and that he would welcome Moscow’s cooperation with Iran.
Strengthening Russia-Iran Relations
Earlier in the year, Russia and Iran finalized a 20-year strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation across military, economic, and technological sectors. The agreement, ratified by both countries' legislatures, includes plans for joint military exercises, intelligence collaboration, and coordinated energy development. This deepening partnership underscores both nations’ shared aim to counter Western sanctions and geopolitical dominance.
Status of U.S.-Iran Talks
So far, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have failed to produce a new nuclear agreement. The U.S. continues to demand that Iran halt uranium enrichment amid concerns it could lead to nuclear weapons development, while Iran maintains its program is strictly for civilian energy purposes. Hopes for progress dimmed further after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the latest U.S. proposal, stating it conflicted with Iran’s national interests.
Trump: “President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion.”
Yury Ushakov: “Donald Trump believes that Russia’s assistance may be necessary here, and he would appreciate it if Russia could work with the Iranian side accordingly.”
Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of The Iran Podcast, told Newsweek: “President Trump's suggestion that Putin could assist in the Iran talks signals a continued interest in striking a nuclear deal. Putin may indeed be in a position to help, given his leverage with both Washington and Tehran.”
As Russia positions itself for a renewed role in nuclear diplomacy and Iran remains firm on its enrichment agenda, the coming weeks could see increased trilateral engagement. However, it remains uncertain whether Putin’s involvement would expedite a resolution or embolden Iran’s resistance.
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