Moscow : Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Russia at a sensitive stage in regional diplomacy, as efforts to restart negotiations between Tehran and Washington continue to face uncertainty following recent setbacks and stalled discussions in Pakistan.
In a statement posted on social media, Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Araghchi reached Saint Petersburg on Monday. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to Iranian state media IRNA.
His latest trip comes after a broader diplomatic tour that included visits to Oman and Islamabad, as mediators work to prevent a complete breakdown in dialogue between Iran and the United States.
The development follows reports that US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned Islamabad visit by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, amid growing uncertainty over possible direct engagement with Iranian officials.
Despite this setback, indirect communication channels are reportedly still active. Iranian media outlet Fars reported that Tehran has sent written messages to the United States via Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator. These messages are said to outline Iran’s core positions, including its red lines regarding the nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz, though they are not part of formal negotiations.
Separately, Axios reported—citing US officials and other sources—that Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities while postponing nuclear discussions to a later stage. Iran’s IRNA agency referenced the report without denying it.
While a ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict involving Iran remains in place, its broader economic impact continues to be felt globally. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have affected the movement of oil, gas, and fertilisers, contributing to rising prices and increasing concerns over food security in several developing countries. Reports also suggest a US blockade of the waterway is in effect, further heightening tensions.
Plans for a second round of talks in Pakistan had been linked to the expected arrival of US envoys Witkoff and Kushner, but those hopes fell through after the visit was cancelled. The decision followed remarks from Iranian state media indicating that Araghchi was not planning to meet US officials during his stay.
US President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, said that if Iran wanted talks, “they can come to us, or they can call us,” while dismissing suggestions that the cancellation signalled escalation.
Earlier, Araghchi held meetings in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Asim Munir, before travelling to Oman and later departing for Russia for further consultations.
Russian and Iranian media have confirmed that discussions between Araghchi and President Putin are expected, reflecting continued coordination between Moscow and Tehran on regional issues.
On social media platform X, Araghchi said discussions in Oman had focused on ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz “for the benefit of all dear neighbors and the world,” adding that “our neighbors are our priority.”
However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards maintained a firmer stance, stating they would not lift restrictions on the Strait. In a Telegram statement, they described control of the waterway as part of Iran’s “deterrent strategy.”
Meanwhile, the United States has reportedly imposed restrictions on Iranian ports in response, further escalating maritime tensions.
In the broader regional context, clashes and accusations between Israel and Hezbollah continue despite a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, with both sides blaming each other for violations and ongoing strikes causing civilian casualties and damage in southern Lebanon.
