This is John Batchelor.

Conversation with my colleague Anatole Leaven of the Quincy Institute for Responsible

Statecraft about the report that the U.S. is speaking to Iran about the Huthies and their

harassment of Red Sea shipping, suggesting that there is the

possibility, since this fact was just revealed, of conversation between Washington and Moscow about Ukraine war.

I ask Anatole about that, and his response is careful on the basis of what he knows to

be accurate about a back channel negotiation. There is one underway. It's not about

the Ukraine war. It's about the possibility of conflict, however, and that suggests there could be more.

Also, there could be more.

Also, there could be more because speaking to Iran is a window into Moscow.

But yet, here's Anatole Levenon, what we know so far about the possibility of peace talks, treaty talks,

accommodation, finding a way to wind down the Ukraine tragedy.

I could indeed. If there will... the Ukraine tragedy. Could indeed, if they're willing to do it.

But I have to say that at present I have not heard anything to suggest that the Biden administration is in fact preparing to do that.

I mean it could.

There's been a back channel between the CIA director, William Burns, and his counterparts in Moscow

over the nuclear threat. But that's as far as it goes. You know, that hasn't turned into, as far as I know, in the actual

preparatory talks for a peace settlement. The Biden administration is

basically waiting until or trying to wait until after the next US elections.

But it may be that Ukraine does not have that much time.

More of this later. Thank you.