The Kremlin said Thursday that negotiations between Iran and the United States remain possible, even as President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch new military strikes against the Islamic Republic.
Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the diplomatic track had not run its course and urged all sides to step back from escalation. He cautioned that any use of force would destabilise the Middle East and trigger serious consequences.
“It is clear that the potential for negotiations is not exhausted,” Peskov said. Moreover, he warned that military action would “only create chaos in the region and lead to very dangerous consequences.”
His remarks followed Trump’s sharp warning on Wednesday that “time is running out” for Iran to negotiate limits on its nuclear programme. Trump said US forces, which have steadily expanded their presence in the Persian Gulf, stand ready to strike if diplomacy fails.
Threats, Responses, and Rising Tensions
Trump amplified the warning in a post on Truth Social, claiming a powerful US armada was moving toward Iran and urging Tehran to strike a deal. He said American forces were “ready, willing and able” to act if necessary.
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s forces had their “fingers on the trigger” and promised a powerful response to any US attack.
Meanwhile, Trump’s renewed threats came after he stepped back earlier this month from pledges to support Iranians protesting against soaring inflation. Despite that shift, Iranian authorities launched a sweeping crackdown, imposing a nationwide internet blackout and killing at least 3,117 people, according to official figures. Activist groups believe the true toll may be higher.
President Vladimir Putin has largely avoided public comment on the crisis. However, the Kremlin said he spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 16, describing the conversation as part of Russia’s broader de-escalation efforts.
