Russia calls for political settlement over Iran as Trump says US talking to Tehran

On Monday, March 23, Russia urged for a "political and diplomatic" solution to the conflict in the Middle East. This call came as US President Donald Trump announced that discussions had taken place between Washington and Tehran aimed at resolving the ongoing hostilities. Trump stated that in the past two days, both sides engaged in "very good and productive conversations" regarding a total end to their conflicts. He also mentioned that he had instructed to stop potential strikes on Iranian energy facilities, following a previous ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Since the war began on February 28, which was triggered by US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, the vital waterway has remained largely closed. According to a statement from Russia’s foreign ministry, Sergei Lavrov, the country’s foreign minister, spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, calling for an "immediate cessation of hostilities" and a political resolution that considers the valid interests of all parties, particularly Iran. The Russian statement indicated that this call was initiated by Iran. However, there was no mention of the US-Iran discussions in the Russian announcement, and Iranian media reported on Monday that there were no negotiations with Washington, contradicting Trump's claims. The Mehr news agency cited Iran’s foreign ministry, stating, “There are no talks between Tehran and Washington,” and suggested that Trump's remarks were aimed at lowering energy prices. Russia, a key ally of Iran, has condemned the US-Israeli military actions against the country but has not offered military aid publicly.