Russia could play a decisive role in resolving the conflict in the Persian Gulf, Al Jazeera writes.

The publication notes that any mediation capable of involving all parties to the conflict becomes particularly important, especially if it comes from a power that maintains contacts with Iran and has reliable communication channels with Washington and Tel Aviv. According to the article, the significance of potential Russian mediation lies in the fact that Moscow is not a secondary or external actor in the crisis but a country well acquainted with Iran’s security systems and the political structures of the region as a whole.

The author also points out that Russia maintains a strong strategic partnership with Tehran and has accumulated significant experience in negotiations between Western countries and Iran, both directly and through participation in international forums. According to the article, this gives Russia a relative advantage over other potential mediators who may be willing to assume such a role but lack Tehran’s trust and cannot provide convincing guarantees.

The US-Israeli military operation against Iran has entered its second week, with both sides continuing to exchange strikes. Tel Aviv says the goal is to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Washington has threatened to destroy Iran’s military potential and called on Iranian citizens to overthrow the current government. Tehran, for its part, says it is ready to defend itself and sees no reason to resume negotiations at this stage.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, called for the immediate cessation of hostilities against Iran by the United States and Israel. He also urged abandoning forceful methods for resolving problems across the Middle East and returning to peaceful negotiations.