FT reported on contacts between the United States and Iran for de-escalation in the Middle East

Representatives of the administration of US President Donald Trump entered into direct contacts with the Iranian authorities, during which they discussed ways to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. The Financial Times newspaper wrote about this on January 16, citing sources.

After negotiations with the Americans, representatives of the Iranian authorities managed to convince Trump that they would not execute the protesters, the newspaper notes. It is specified that new contacts between the two countries can be organized in the coming days with the help of third countries.

"At the moment, tensions have been lowered. <...> The United States is giving time for negotiations with Iran to see how events will develop further," the newspaper quoted an unnamed official from Arab countries as saying.

The article states that Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Turkey called on the American authorities to refrain from attacks on Iran, as this could harm the republic's neighbors and lead to an increase in oil prices.

A special agreement is needed: Iran and the United States are looking for a new deal.

Negotiations between Washington and Tehran are possible, but real steps are still far away.

The day before, The Wall Street Journal newspaper wrote that Trump was stalling while the US Armed Forces were being deployed to the Middle East. It is clarified that the American leader has not yet made a final decision, but has asked for military funds in case of a major attack on Iran.

Russia's representative to the United Nations (UN) Vasily Nebenzia said on January 15 that the United States continues to escalate tension and foment hysteria around Iran. According to him, the meeting, convened at the initiative of the United States, is another attempt to justify interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.

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