Between Strike and Diplomacy: Russia Moves to Contain U.S.-Iran Confrontation
In a new escalation reflecting the sensitivity of the regional scene, Moscow announced its readiness to play a mediating role between Tehran and Washington, urging the United States to retract any plans to target Iranian nuclear facilities, and emphasizing the need to give the diplomatic path one last chance.
* Moscow Intervenes in the Crisis
During a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends of the Defense of the United Nations Charter in Geneva, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky confirmed that his country calls on the United States and its allies to abandon plans to strike Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities.
He also recommended that Washington provide “strong guarantees” to prevent the situation from slipping into a new military confrontation, announcing Moscow's readiness for diplomatic mediation between Tehran and Washington.
* Military Warnings Within Washington
In contrast, informed sources revealed that U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Keen informed President Donald Trump and senior officials that any military campaign against Iran could entail serious risks, the most notable being the possibility of being drawn into a prolonged conflict and incurring American casualties.
According to an American official, Trump formed a close circle of advisors to discuss available options regarding Tehran, inspired by a previous mechanism he used when considering potential action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, aiming to prepare alternatives that balance maximizing influence and minimizing risks.
* Notable Absence Within the Pentagon
According to a senior administration official, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper was not invited to meetings concerning the Iranian file, nor has he met with the president since the crisis erupted in early January, indicating the nature of the closed discussions managed within the tight circle surrounding Trump.
* Between the Option of Strike and the Opportunity for Diplomacy
Although some estimates suggest that Trump was nearing the option of launching a military strike, sources confirmed that he agreed to give the diplomatic path an additional chance, while another source emphasized that the president wants to exhaust all options before making a final decision.
The discussion, according to insiders, revolves at the highest levels of the U.S. administration on how to deal with the confrontation with Tehran and the implications of each option.
While some voices within Trump's circle lean towards caution, others see that the president still tends to the option of force.
Meanwhile, his envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are urging patience and allowing space for diplomatic efforts, at a time when the region seems to be at a crossroads that could determine its course for years to come.
