UPDATE - Kremlin says Russia welcomes Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman

*UPDATES WITH FURTHER STATEMENTS BY KREMLIN SPOKESMAN DURING PRESS BRIEFING

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Kremlin on Friday said Russia welcomed indirect talks that began between US and Iranian delegations in Oman.

“We welcome the negotiations that have just begun in Oman,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a press briefing, expressing that Russia hopes these negotiations will be “productive” and lead to a de-escalation of regional tensions.

Moscow, until tensions de-escalate, would “like to see restraint on the part of all interested states,” Peskov added.

Iran and the US started nuclear negotiations in the Omani capital Muscat earlier Friday, amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, fueled by an American military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated threats of military action by US President Donald Trump.

In recent days, several countries have stepped in and offered to mediate between Tehran and Washington to ease tensions, with Türkiye playing a particularly active role.

The US and its ally Israel accuse Iran of seeking to produce nuclear weapons, while Tehran says its nuclear program is designed for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation.

- Russia, US raise future of expired nuclear arms treaty in UAE

Peskov also commented on talks held in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday and Thursday, saying the future of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty, which expired overnight, was raised during the discussions in the United Arab Emirates.

“Of course, the provisions can be formally extended in some way. Informal extensions in this area are hardly conceivable. This was discussed in Abu Dhabi, among other things,” Peskov said.

He said there is an understanding between Russia and the United States that both sides will take “responsible positions” on the issue and recognize the need to begin negotiations as soon as possible.

New START, signed in April 2010 and entering into force on Feb. 5, 2011, was the last remaining legally binding agreement limiting US and Russian strategic nuclear forces.

On Thursday, Peskov said Moscow viewed the expiration of the treaty negatively and expressed regret.

Later that day, US President Donald Trump said Washington should pursue a “new, improved and modernized” nuclear arms control agreement rather than extend New START.