In the shadow of US-Israel airstrikes on Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have been locked in frequent discussions, signaling Moscow’s pivotal role in regional diplomacy. Iran’s envoy in Russia, Kazem Jalali, confirmed the ongoing exchanges during a briefing on Friday.
Since the attacks began, the two presidents have conducted three telephone conversations starting from February 28, culminating in a call on April 12. ‘Both leaders maintain excellent contact, mirrored by strong ties between our foreign ministers,’ Jalali noted.
Jalali praised Russia’s proactive involvement in mediation efforts aimed at quelling the violence and fostering stable peace. ‘We thank Russia for this voice and support, reflective of our profound bilateral relations,’ he added.
On the other side, President Trump has ramped up pressure tactics. Declaring full US dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, he linked its accessibility to Iran’s willingness to negotiate. This narrow waterway is the lifeblood for Gulf oil exports, and blocking it squeezes Tehran’s economy hard.
‘We’ll keep it under control until they make a deal or something positive happens,’ Trump asserted. He candidly admitted the economic warfare angle: Iran stands to gain $500 million daily from open passage, a revenue stream he aims to choke off amid unresolved tensions.
Global markets remain jittery over potential supply disruptions, which could spike fuel costs temporarily. Trump’s calculus weighs these risks against leveraging the strait for diplomatic leverage. As Russia positions itself as Iran’s steadfast ally, the interplay of alliances could redefine Middle East power balances.
