Given that Russia is one of the key players in maintaining the balance of power in the region, particularly in developments related to Iran, its co-occurrence with the U.S.-Iran indirect negotiations in Oman can be indicative of Washington’s secret attempts to create collaboration with Russia before starting dialogue with Tehran. Although the precise goals of Witkof’s trip to Russia have not become public yet, with the developments in Ukraine probably being among the likely subjects of talks between Witkof and Putin, the speculation suggests that the U.S. may be trying to exploit Russia as a key player to manage regional and international crises as part of Washington–Russia cooperation.
In this vein, Russia, which has always expressed its opposition to Washington’s unilateral actions against Iran, can play the role of a mediator or strategic advisor in the negotiations. On the other hand, the U.S. seeks to apply the political pressures and security threats it has been using against Iran so far to create conditions under which it can realize its desired agreements with Iran.
In total, Witkof’s trip to Russia and its co-occurrence with the Oman negotiations show the political and security complexities that the U.S. and its allies have taken against Iran. These developments, especially under the current conditions in which tensions between Tehran and Washington have reached their peak, can shape the future path of developments. Within this framework, the role of Russia in the process of diplomacy and its effect on the outcome of the negotiations is an issue that can become more serious and influential regarding the ties of Iran and the U.S. with Moscow.
NOURNEWS