Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has criticized the US threats to bomb Iran, according to a new interview. Iranian state media IRNA on April 2 highlighted the comments and this appears to be part of Iranian messaging to deter any US action. Now Iran appears to hope Russia might help prevent US strikes. Russia is in discussions with the US about a possible Ukraine ceasefire. Moscow may think that it can link a Ukraine deal to a deal that will also help Iran. Russia and Iran are increasingly close partners.