Russia and Turkey Offer Mediation, but Ceasefire Is Not What Iran Wants

Russia and Turkey have reportedly undertaken mediation efforts to end the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel. However, Tehran has stated that it does not yet wish to agree to a ceasefire.

“Currently, communications are ongoing and negotiation efforts have been undertaken by several international and regional parties, particularly Russia and Turkey,” said a source close to the Iranian Government, as reported by Russian media outlet RIA Novosti on Thursday (12 March 2026).

“Iran fundamentally does not reject the principle of mediation itself, but at present, they do not agree to a ceasefire,” the source said.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is prepared to help ease tensions in the Middle East. However, he acknowledged that such efforts require coordination with many parties.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched a combined attack against Iran, including Tehran, causing infrastructure damage and loss of life. Iran subsequently carried out retaliatory strikes against Israeli territory and US military bases across the Middle East.

The United States and Israel initially claimed the attack was necessary to counter the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme, but it subsequently became clear that they were actually seeking a change of government in Iran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli attack. Iran then declared a 40-day period of mourning.