Al-Arabi al-Jadid's claim: Putin asked Iran to negotiate directly with the Americans Al-Arabi al-Jadid claimed: During the meeting with Mohsen Razai, Putin asked Iran to negotiate directly with the Americans and explained the "advantages" of such a move. Mohsen Razai spoke about the reasons for Iran's opposition to direct negotiations. Russia's recent contacts with Tehran were created at the request of America and the Arabs.