Iran is scrambling to try to get countries to help it prevent a war with the US. Over the last days, Iran has reached out to Russia, Turkey, and other countries. The goal is to get some countries that have influence with the US to intercede. With Russia, Iran hopes that Moscow may also be able to bring pressure.
Iran is also hoping Gulf countries will help it out of a bind. The potential countries in the Gulf that might assist include Qatar. Doha was key to the ceasefire deal at the end of the 12-day war last summer and has often had warm ties with both Iran and the US.
What is clear is that Iran does take US threats seriously. In the past, Tehran has floated the idea of talks but was not actually willing to make concessions. Iran knows the Trump administration will want something to show for any talks. The White House will want a win it can present publicly, though it’s not clear what “win” Iran might be able to give the US.
Iran is aware of reports in the West that say its regime is weak and that Saudi Arabia might be flexible on whether the US proceeds with strikes. Previously, it seemed most US allies and partners in the region opposed strikes, except Israel. Now it remains to be seen if countries in the region have enough influence with the US administration to prevent escalation.
Araghchi attemepts avoiding 'unlawful agression'
It does appear that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continues to make a series of moves designed to improve Tehran’s chances of avoiding a war. According to Rudaw media in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, Araghchi had said Iran was always ready to engage with countries in the region to achieve stability.
Araghchi wrote on X/Twitter that the goal was to prevent “unlawful aggression” against Iran.
“Araghchi’s remarks come as US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran was likely to seek negotiations rather than face American military action, despite Tehran’s insistence that its missile capabilities are not negotiable,” Rudaw said.