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Russia has said it is ready to act as a mediator between Iran and the United States as tensions escalate over protests in Iran and warnings of possible military action.
Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, said Moscow supports a diplomatic solution and is prepared to assist talks “at all levels”, describing Iran as a strategic partner of Russia.
Russian officials have called for de-escalation and opposed any foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
The offer comes as U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled meetings with Iranian officials and this week publicly urged protesters to challenge the government, saying “help is on the way”. Washington has warned that military options remain under consideration.
Switzerland has also indicated it is willing to help facilitate dialogue, citing its long-standing role as a diplomatic intermediary between the United States and Iran, which have had no formal relations since 1980.
The United States said it's withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.
Iran has been gripped by nationwide protests for nearly three weeks, triggered by economic hardship and later expanding into political demonstrations.
With Iran's leadership trying to quell the worst domestic unrest the Islamic Republic has ever faced, Tehran is seeking to deter U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated threats to intervene on behalf of anti-government protesters.
The U.N. Security Council is due to meet on Iran on Thursday at the request of the United States.
A U.S.-based human rights group says the death toll has exceeded 2,500, while Iranian officials have acknowledged around 2,000 deaths.
Analysts say several regional states, including Gulf countries, may also seek to prevent further escalation, amid concerns that a wider conflict could destabilise the Middle East.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Israel and Arab States have urged the U.S. to delay any potential military action against Iran, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing protests inside the country, according to NBC News.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
U.S. citizens in Iran have been advised to leave the country as soon as possible, amid growing instability in the region and concerns that travel routes could close with little warning.
U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned whether Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, would be able to command enough support inside Iran to lead the country if its clerical leadership were to fall.
Iran reopened its airspace late on Wednesday after a near five-hour closure that disrupted airline traffic, amid heightened concerns over possible military escalation involving the United States.
Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector after sustained Russian attacks severely damaged power and heating infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday.
Iran’s temporary shutdown of its airspace prompted flight diversions and fresh safety warnings on Wednesday as regional tensions disrupted airline operations across the Middle East.
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