Russian President Putin’s agreement to mediate the Iran nuclear deal, at Trump’s request, is alarming due to Russia’s conflicting interests that threaten U.S. positions in the Middle East. The U.S. should avoid reliance on Moscow and instead collaborate with the E3 allies in crafting an effective strategy against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
This month, Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to mediate a new nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran, reportedly at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is believed to have discussed this request with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a meeting in Saudi Arabia. Trump has been vocal about his desire for a new deal with Iran, evidenced by an executive order reimplementing the maximum pressure campaign and in a letter to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The White House must terminate this unwise pursuit. Russia’s alignment with Iran undermines American interests in the Middle East and those of U.S. allies. Historically viewed as an arsonist in the region, Washington should be skeptical of Moscow’s diplomatic overtures. The belief that Putin can serve U.S. interests is akin to trusting a predator to negotiate peace in a hen house.
President Trump has noticeably altered U.S. foreign policy towards Europe. Unlike former President Joe Biden, who supported NATO allies in Ukraine against Russian aggression, Trump has criticized Ukraine and its European allies, advocating for a rapprochement with Russia. Engaging Moscow as a mediator in the Iran nuclear issue would consequently be a miscalculation.
Russia has consistently undermined U.S. interests in the Middle East. Their support for Assad’s regime in Syria, alongside Iran, illustrates this. Russia has armed Hezbollah and continues to provide military support to Iran, complicating Israel’s security situation. The arming of the Houthis in Yemen by Russia, also aligned with Iran, has further destabilized the region, affecting global shipping and regional economies.
Moscow collaborates directly with Iran in military and economic domains. Russia’s assistance to Iran’s ballistic missile program underlines this bond, evident when missiles were launched at Israeli cities. Economically, Russia defies U.S. sanctions to foster trade with Iran, sustaining the latter’s economy and empowering its military capabilities throughout the region.
While it cannot be denied that Russia holds some leverage over Iran, leveraging this to attain a nuclear agreement runs counter to U.S. interests. Russia’s interests align more closely with Tehran’s, posing risks to U.S. security. Allowing Russia to mediate discussions could inadvertently bolster Iran’s quest for a nuclear weapon.
President Trump has stated the necessity of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities, which is vital for U.S. security and that of Israel and regional allies. Therefore, inviting Russia into negotiations is inadvisable. Instead, Trump should engage with the E3 states—United Kingdom, France, and Germany—who share American concerns concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
By enlisting the E3 in a coordinated maximum pressure campaign against Iran, Trump can approach negotiations from a position of strength. With the E3’s likely shift in stance since 2018, the potential for a multilateral campaign to impede Iran’s nuclear development appears favorable. Collaborative efforts with traditional allies can effectively address the threat posed by Iran, fostering peace through strength.
In summary, the potential for Russia to mediate the Iran nuclear deal is fraught with risks for American interests and regional stability. Russia’s historical alignment with Iran and its treacherous dealings undermine trust and could exacerbate tensions. Instead, engaging the E3 allies in a multilateral maximum pressure campaign presents a more prudent path forward for the United States, assisting in the prevention of Iranian nuclear capabilities while strengthening partnerships with allies.
Original Source: foreignpolicy.com
