According to the memo, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a confidential proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump to help de-escalate tensions in the region. The Russian initiative envisaged mediation aimed at establishing a ceasefire and opening a discreet channel of dialogue with Tehran. The U.S. president reportedly did not follow up on the proposal, rejecting any initiative that would lead to a ceasefire with Iran.

Donald Trump nevertheless asked Vladimir Putin to use his influence for another form of mediation that could contribute to easing regional tensions: pressuring Tehran to halt missile attacks targeting Arab Gulf countries. According to the same source, Moscow welcomed the request, as Russia seeks to take advantage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to strengthen its relations with the U.S. administration, with a view to potentially benefiting from this later in the context of the war in Ukraine.

The American memo also notes that Moscow maintains significant channels of influence within Iranian decision-making circles, particularly through Ali Larijani, who is considered one of the most influential figures in Tehran following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

According to a report prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) after the “Twelve-Day War” in the summer of 2025 and shared with several European security and counterterrorism services, Ali Larijani maintains close ties with Moscow and has direct contacts with President Vladimir Putin. The report also states that he reportedly maintains a secure apartment in the Russian capital, which he uses as a private office.