Trump Applauds Russia's Role in New Iran Deal Effort, Kremlin Reports
On March 15, 2024, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that former U.S. President Donald Trump had publicly expressed support for Russia's diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. This signals a rare convergence of U.S. and Russian interests that could reshape the geopolitical landscape around Tehran. The statement came as Washington was preparing to lift sanctions on Iranian oil. It also follows a series of U.S. and Russian talks in Geneva that stalled last month.
Kremlin Confirms Trump’s Public Endorsement of Russia’s Iran Negotiations
The Kremlin’s statement, released via TASS on March 15, cited a March 12 press conference in Washington, D.C., where Trump told reporters that "Russia is doing the right thing" in its engagement with Tehran. Trump added that "pragmatic diplomacy can bring stability to the region." The Kremlin emphasized that the U.S. president’s remarks were made in the context of a broader U.S. effort to re‑engage with Iran over nuclear compliance. Peskov noted that the Russian Foreign Ministry had been coordinating closely with Iranian officials since November 2023, and that the U.S. had recently lifted sanctions on Iranian oil exports to encourage dialogue. The small concrete detail that Trump spoke about Russia’s role during a rally in Philadelphia on March 12 underscores the personal nature of the endorsement. The Kremlin’s source is the official statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry, corroborated by TASS reporting.n
Why the Trump‑Russia Alignment Matters
First, the alignment signals a shift in the traditional U.S.–Russia rivalry. For ordinary citizens in the U.S., it could mean a reduction in the likelihood of new sanctions that have historically increased the cost of imported goods. Second, for Iranian civilians, the potential revival of the JCPOA could bring relief from economic hardship by restoring oil export revenue and lifting travel restrictions. Third, the cooperation may pressure other nuclear‑capable states to consider diplomatic solutions, affecting global security. Finally, the unexpected partnership may prompt a recalibration of U.S. foreign policy, influencing everything from defense spending to trade agreements.n
“Trump told reporters that "Russia is doing the right thing" in its engagement with Tehran, saying the approach was pragmatic and could bring stability to the region.”
What We Don’t Know Yet
The long‑term impact of Trump’s endorsement remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the U.S. administration will formally endorse the Russian‑Iranian talks or merely allow Trump’s comments to stand. The Iranian government has yet to confirm whether it will accept a Russia‑mediated framework, and the Kremlin has not detailed concrete steps beyond diplomatic engagement. Whether Russia can secure concessions from Iran without triggering a backlash from its own allies, especially China, is another open question. Moreover, the U.S. Congress has not yet weighed in on the implications of a potential deal, leaving the legislative response ambiguous. Finally, the global market reaction—especially in energy prices and sanctions enforcement—remains unpredictable.n
What to Watch in the Next 24‑72 Hours
Key developments to monitor include the UN Security Council meeting scheduled for March 18, where Russia will likely propose a resolution on Iran sanctions. The U.S. State Department is expected to issue a statement on March 16 clarifying its position on Trump’s comments. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian is slated to hold a press conference on March 17 to address the possibility of a revived JCPOA. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will likely meet with Iranian officials in Moscow on March 19 to finalize the negotiation framework. Additionally, the European Union will release its stance on potential sanctions relief for Iran, which could influence the broader diplomatic environment. Tracking these events will reveal whether the Trump‑Russia alignment translates into tangible policy shifts.n
