Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday held a phone conversation with Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing Moscow’s willingness to support diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the escalating crisis in the Middle East following the breakdown of talks between Iran and the United States.
According to the Kremlin, Putin reiterated Russia’s readiness to act as a mediator in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.
“Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict, and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” the Kremlin said in its official readout.
The call came shortly after the United States’ negotiation team withdrew entirely from discussions held in Islamabad, Pakistan, signaling a major setback in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with Iran.
A US official confirmed that the delegation, which included key figures such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, exited the talks after prolonged negotiations failed to produce any meaningful progress.
During a stopover at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, an official traveling with Vice President JD Vanceconfirmed that no members of the delegation remained behind, despite earlier expectations that back-channel discussions might continue.
On the Iranian side, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised Washington’s approach, stating that it failed to build trust during the negotiations.
“My colleagues in the Iranian delegation put forward constructive initiatives, but the other side was unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation,” he said in a post on X.
The collapse of the talks underscores the growing diplomatic deadlock between the two countries, raising concerns about further instability in the region as global powers weigh their next steps.
What you should know
The failure of US-Iran talks marks a significant setback in efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.
Russia’s offer to mediate highlights its increasing role in global diplomacy, especially in conflicts involving Western powers. The withdrawal of the US delegation signals a breakdown in trust and communication, which could lead to further escalation if not addressed.
Iran’s criticism of the negotiation process suggests deep-rooted disagreements that go beyond immediate issues.
With no clear resolution in sight, the situation remains fragile, with potential implications for global security and energy markets.
