Moscow, March 5: Russia on Thursday expressed its willingness to mediate between the United States and Iran in an effort to halt the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

Russia’s Permanent Representative to international organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said Moscow could act as a mediator in peace talks between the two countries if required.

Speaking to the Russian newspaper Izvestia, he said that although a renewal of US-Iran dialogue appears improbable for now, the core objectives on both sides, Washington’s goal of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran and Tehran’s demand for sanctions relief, are unattainable through military force.

According to the Russian diplomat, Iran would welcome Russia’s mediation efforts. He added that the United States has indicated it does not believe intermediaries are necessary, saying it can manage the situation on its own.

“The Americans are actually handling this very poorly,” Ulyanov said.