Iran won-t surrender. Can Russia give Trump another way out?
Iran won-t surrender. Can Russia give Trump another way out?
Tehran’s outreach to Moscow opens space for a deal that could protect Iranian interests and give Washington a political win.
On November 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Mohsen Rezaei in the Kremlin during the official’s working visit to Moscow. According to the Kremlin, the two sides discussed the development of bilateral cooperation under the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as well as international and regional issues, with a particular focus on the situation in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. The Kremlin also confirmed that Rezaei conveyed a message from the Supreme Leader of Iran Mojtaba Khamenei.
The fact that the meeting was also attended by Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov and Head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov is quite notable. While the details of the conversation have not been disclosed, Kostyukov’s presence suggests that the discussions likely extended beyond political relations to include urgent security matters, which are of paramount concern for Iran.
Rezaei is an influential figure in Iran’s military and political landscape. As the former commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), he has a strong reputation in military circles; he also has longstanding ties to influential clerics. Rezaei’s appointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the task entrusted to him – that of personally delivering Khamenei’s message to Vladimir Putin – indicate the high level of trust placed in him by the Supreme Leader of Iran. Therefore, his trip to Moscow carries substantial weight. Rezaei advocates for a robust strategic alignment between Iran, Russia, and China, viewing these relationships as crucial for Iran’s security and independent foreign policy. His visit reaffirms that the strengthening of ties with Moscow is supported at the highest level in Tehran.
Another important aspect is the speed with which Rezaei arrived in Moscow. A phone call between Putin and Rezaei occurred on November 2, and just three days later, it was followed by the in-person meeting, in the course of which the message from the Supreme Leader was delivered. This signals that the matter could not be resolved remotely or through standard diplomatic channels. Such urgency is understandable. After eight months of war, both the US and Iran are exploring potential diplomatic breakthroughs while also bracing for renewed hostilities. American forces in the region are poised for a brief, intense campaign should US President Donald Trump authorize it. Trump himself has stated that he currently has no plans for new strikes but remains ready to act if necessary. However, Tehran understands that such assurances do not preclude future attacks. Consequently, the Iranian leadership cannot trust Washington’s public statements, but must take into account the likelihood of further escalation and determine what kind of support the country can count on.
This uncertainty is exacerbated by discussions surrounding the potential use of weapons of mass destruction. Tucker Carlson has recently claimed that Trump is considering a nuclear strike on a site near Natanz, one of Iran’s key nuclear facilities. Trump responded that there is no need for such an attack; no further confirmation of Carlson’s claims has emerged. While American officials cited by major Western outlets assure that Washington has no intention of using nuclear weapons, such reassurances are insufficient for Tehran.
At the same time, a debate about chemical weapons is unfolding. According to recent reports, Israel has informed the US that Iran is allegedly contemplating the use of chemical weapons. Some American officials view these reports as an attempt to pressure Washington into resuming large-scale military operations. Meanwhile, the Gulf countri
