Russian Envoy Disputes U.S. Claims of Iran Talks, Says Real Negotiations Have Not Begun

Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna has publicly disputed U.S. Defense Secretary claims about ongoing talks with Iran, stating that the two sides hold fundamentally different interpretations of what constitutes real negotiations.

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s envoy to the Vienna-based international organizations, responded to American assertions about diplomatic engagement by asserting that from Moscow’s perspective, genuine negotiations with Iran have not yet commenced. “Apparently we have a different understanding of what negotiations mean,” Ulyanov stated on social media platform X. “From our point of view, real negotiations have not yet started.” ^[1][2]

The statement reflects a widening gap between Russian and American positions on Iran diplomacy at a moment of heightened regional tensions. Israeli journalist Ami Sagel characterized the current week as “the most dangerous week of 2026,” citing significant developments in the region that have raised concerns about stability. ^[3]

Ulyanov’s intervention comes as the United States is preparing to increase military presence in the Middle East and Israel. Approximately 3,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Israel, operating air-defense systems and supporting aviation, logistics, and command operations, with additional personnel and aircraft expected in the coming weeks as Washington positions forces for a potential renewed escalation with Iran. ^[4]

Russia has previously defended Iran’s nuclear program as an “inalienable right” in international forums, positioning Moscow as a counterweight to American pressure on Tehran’s atomic activities. Ulyanov’s latest statement appears designed to signal Russian skepticism toward any diplomatic framework that does not adequately protect Iranian interests.

The dispute over terminology – what counts as “real” versus claimed negotiations – underscores the difficulty in finding common ground on Iran policy among major powers. Moscow’s insistence that substantive talks have not begun contrasts sharply with Washington’s public messaging about diplomatic engagement, suggesting that rhetorical claims about negotiation progress mask deeper strategic disagreement about the terms and scope of any potential agreement.