**US and Iran to Hold Direct Talks on Nuclear Program**
In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump announced on April 7 that direct talks between the United States and Iran are underway. The talks, which will take place in Oman on April 12, aim to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump described the meeting as “very big” and “very high level”. He also stated that the US is dealing directly with Iranian officials. However, this development contradicts earlier reports from Reuters, which cited an Iranian official saying that Tehran had rejected US demands for direct talks.
**Russia Ready to Mediate**
The upcoming meeting has sparked interest in Russia, which has expressed a willingness to meditate between the two nations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on April 7 that Russia is ready to contribute to resolving the issue through diplomatic means. This development comes as no surprise, given the deepening ties between Russia and Iran.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion in Ukraine, Russia has strengthened its relationship with Iran. The country has provided thousands of Shahed drones, used against Ukrainian cities, and short-range ballistic missiles. In January, Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement, solidifying cooperation in various areas including security, defense, energy, finance, transportation, and more.
**Analysis**
The sudden announcement of direct talks between the US and Iran is a significant development in international diplomacy. The fact that Trump described the meeting as “very big” suggests a high level of importance and potentially far-reaching implications. However, it remains unclear what specific issues will be discussed during the talks.
One thing is certain: Russia’s readiness to mediate adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate situation. With Moscow’s interests in mediating, one can’t help but wonder if this move is a calculated attempt to strengthen its own position on the global stage or simply a genuine effort to facilitate dialogue between the two nations.
As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome of these talks, it will be essential to monitor Russia’s actions and intentions closely. Will Moscow’s influence be felt in the negotiations, or will it remain a neutral facilitator? The consequences of these talks could have far-reaching effects on global politics, security, and stability.
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