Ushakov says Putin told Witkoff diplomacy with Iran remains possible

Vladimir Putin told Steve Witkoff that diplomatic options for resolving the situation around Iran had not been exhausted, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said.

The Middle East, particularly Iran, was discussed during Wednesday's talks. According to Ushakov, Putin described Tehran as Russia's strategic partner and said an agreement with it was both possible and necessary.

The Russian president also confirmed Moscow's willingness to continue helping seek political and diplomatic solutions to the Iran issue, his aide said.