MOSCOW, March 27. /TASS/. The US may use talks with Iran as a cover for a ground invasion amid President Donald Trump’s falling approval ratings; the EU is sabotaging the peace process in Ukraine, while the US is pressuring Kiev to reach peace with Russia; and Washington is denying Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro the right to a defense. These stories topped Friday’s newspaper headlines across Russia.
Media: Talks with Iran could act as cover for US ground invasion
Behind US President Donald Trump’s optimistic statements about negotiations with Iran may lie preparations for a ground operation. The US leader has said that talks are already underway and that the parties are close to a deal. Trump also announced a suspension of strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure until April 6, citing progress in the negotiations. Western media have reported a buildup of the US military presence and Washington’s readiness for a ground operation. At the same time, diplomatic contacts through mediators continue. However, key issues - such as control over the Strait of Hormuz, the missile program, and Iran’s nuclear capabilities - remain unresolved.
Iranian international relations expert Hadi Issa Dalloul believes that the US is using its statements to buy time, reduce international pressure, and simultaneously complete preparations for a ground operation. "The very nature of Donald Trump’s statements - on the one hand, about progress in the negotiations, and on the other, about readiness to increase pressure - is controversial. In this case, the talks are being used as a tool to deceive Tehran and its allies," the expert told Izvestia.
