Trump Says Putin Could Help in Iran Nuclear Negotiations

President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to join talks on Iran’s nuclear program and may help bring the negotiations to a close. In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump described an “over hour-long” call with Putin, during which they discussed Iran, nuclear weapons, and Russia’s response to a Ukrainian drone strike.

Trump wrote both leaders agreed that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon,” and claimed Putin suggested he could “be helpful” in reaching a quick resolution. He also accused Iran of “slow walking” talks and urged urgency.

Newsweek has reached out to the White House as well as the Kremlin and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

An offer from Putin to join the nuclear negotiations would coincide with a growing strategic alliance between Russia and Iran, both of which seek to counter Western power.

Russia’s entrance into the nuclear talks could add pressure to Iran, but it could also shift the diplomatic balance away from Washington’s preferred framework. It also marks a moment where Moscow, despite its war in Ukraine and increasing isolation from the West, asserts its role in shaping high-stakes global security issues.

What to Know

According to Trump, Putin said he would be willing to join discussions and “could, perhaps, be helpful” in pushing Iran toward a final nuclear agreement. While Russia was previously a party to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—a multilateral agreement that placed limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief—it has taken a backseat amid shifting diplomatic dynamics and the U.S. withdrawal under Trump’s prior administration.

After the call, Putin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed Trump’s account, saying the U.S. president believed “Russia’s assistance may be necessary” and would welcome Moscow working with the Iranian side.

Moscow and Tehran Ties

Earlier this year, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement, formalizing cooperation across military, economic, and technological sectors.

The treaty, ratified by both nations’ parliaments, includes provisions for joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaboration on energy projects. This deepening alliance reflects a shared intent to counter Western influence and navigate around sanctions, which they both face.

U.S.-Iran Talks

So far, negotiations between Washington and Tehran have failed to produce a new agreement. The U.S. wants Iran to halt uranium enrichment to prevent it building nuclear weapons, while Iran says its program is for peaceful, civilian energy purposes. No breakthrough has been reached, and prospects have dimmed further after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the latest U.S. proposal contradicts Iran’s national interests.

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump: “President Putin suggested that he will participate in the discussions with Iran and that he could, perhaps, be helpful in getting this brought to a rapid conclusion.”

Yury Ushakov, aide to President Putin: “Donald Trump believes that Russia’s assistance may be necessary here, and he would appreciate it if Russia could work with the Iranian side accordingly.”

Negar Mortazavi, senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, editor and host of The Iran Podcast told Newsweek: “President Trump’s suggestion that Putin could assist in the Iran talks signals a continued interest in striking a nuclear deal. Putin may indeed be in a position to help, given his leverage with both Washington and Tehran.”

What Happens Next

With Russia signaling a new role in nuclear diplomacy and Iran holding firm on its enrichment program, the coming weeks may see increased trilateral engagement — though it is unclear whether Putin’s involvement would hastens an agreement or reinforce Iran’s determination.