MOSCOW, March 24. /TASS/. Russia can serve as an intermediary between Iran and the United States regarding discussions about Iran's nuclear program, Yury Lyamin, a senior researcher at the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, said in an interview with TASS.

"The situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear program is currently deteriorating, which is understandably worrisome. Nevertheless, Russia can act as a communication channel between Tehran and Washington. The approach taken by US President Donald Trump's administration does not align well with the expectations of the Iranian leadership. Consequently, Moscow could facilitate communication through which some agreements might be reached," he stated during a discussion at the Valdai International Club on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran.

Lyamin pointed out that the ongoing pressure on Iran from the United States and Israel, including threats to target Iran's nuclear facilities, "could lead to a significant escalation in the region." He added, "Thus, the possibility of a serious conflict in the near future cannot be dismissed, and this is something that should be avoided at all costs."

He expressed skepticism about Russia's ability to effectively mediate on the Iranian nuclear issue unless the United States moves away from its previously maximalist stance. "This includes demands such as Iran's complete abandonment of its nuclear program, the withdrawal of support for regional allies, and stringent restrictions on Iran's missile program," Lyamin explained. "In such a situation, it would be extremely challenging for Russia to take any action, as these demands are entirely unacceptable to Iran."

Nuclear Deal

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding Iran's nuclear program can no longer be restored to its original form; however, its framework may serve as the basis for a new agreement between Iran and the West.

On March 7, US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform that he had sent a message to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing talks on Tehran's nuclear program. In response, Khamenei remarked that Iran would not negotiate with the US since Washington prioritized its own interests.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed in 2015 by the permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) and Germany with Iran to address the crisis surrounding its nuclear research. In 2018, during Trump's first term, the US withdrew from the agreement and reinstated all anti-Iran sanctions that had been lifted under the JCPOA. In retaliation, the Iranian parliament enacted a law in 2020 known as the Strategic Action Plan to Lift Sanctions and Protect the Interests of the Iranian Nation. This law reduced several commitments under the nuclear deal, including the cessation of IAEA inspections beyond the parameters of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement between the IAEA and Iran, as well as the prohibition of stringent monitoring measures.