Russia announced that if it receives a request, it is ready to support mediating efforts to end the war against Iran and maintain stability in the Middle East.

Alexander Aliymov, deputy foreign minister of Russia, told the newspaper “Izvestia” that this support could also include Moscow’s updated plan for the security of the Persian Gulf.

Grigory Lukyanov, a Middle East expert, said Russia’s proposals are based on the participation of all countries in the region and the principle of inseparable security, but the main obstacle to progress is the lack of trust between the parties. According to him, the United States also, during the Donald Trump administration, had no inclination to accept other countries as mediators or guarantors of agreements.

Lukyanov added that third-country mediation remains necessary and that progress could be achieved through secret negotiations and compromises on specific issues. He said Washington and Tehran have not ruled out talks yet, but they are unwilling to make concessions, and continued fighting has brought costs for both sides.