Russia offers to mediate between Iran and the United States

Russia offers to mediate between Iran and the United States
Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) Leonid Slutsky attends the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, 18 June, 2025
Reuters

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.

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