US President Donald Trump stated that during a phone call on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed his offer for Russia to act as a third party in managing Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium. Trump recounted that Putin proposed Moscow could help take charge of Iran's roughly 970 pounds of enriched uranium, as reported by The Hill.
Trump's Response to Putin's Offer
"He told me he'd like to be involved with the enrichment - if he can help us get it," Trump said, recounting the conversation. "I said, I'd much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine. To me, that would be more important," Trump added, emphasizing that his priority remains the Ukraine conflict. Addressing reporters at the Oval Office, Trump also noted, "Putin doesn't want to see Iran have a nuclear weapon either," while mentioning that he had asked the Russian leader for a "little bit of a ceasefire" in Ukraine.
Russia's Potential Role as Intermediary
Russia's potential role as an intermediary has been discussed with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, particularly regarding the possibility of removing Iran's highly enriched uranium from the country. Trump suggested that the conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine could be on similar timelines, stating, "I don't know. Maybe they're on a similar time table. Ukraine, militarily, they're defeated. You wouldn't know that by reading the fake news."
Heightened Tensions in the Middle East
These developments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Trump signaling his intention to maintain the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has been intercepting Iranian-linked vessels, while Tehran has warned it could target ships that do not coordinate with its military. "They have to cry uncle, that's all they have to do," Trump said of Iran. "Just say, 'We give up. We give up.' But their economy is really in trouble," he added.
Trump Defends Blockade as Key Pressure
In an interview with Axios, Trump defended the blockade as a key pressure on Iran over its nuclear program. "The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing," Trump told Axios. "They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can't have a nuclear weapon," he added. He also rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before talks, insisting that Tehran must first address US concerns. While describing the blockade as his primary leverage, Trump indicated that military options remain under consideration, though he did not elaborate.
Kremlin Warns of Serious Consequences
Meanwhile, the Kremlin warned of serious consequences if hostilities escalate further. Presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that Putin had cautioned that any ground operation on Iranian territory would be "completely unacceptable and dangerous," underlining Moscow's concern over a wider conflict.
