Iran’s Foreign Minister Visits Russia as US Talks Stall
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Russia on Monday for high-level talks with President Vladimir Putin, as diplomatic efforts involving the United States remain at a standstill.
The visit comes shortly after Araghchi’s trips to Islamabad and Oman, where he reiterated Tehran’s refusal to engage in direct talks with the US amid ongoing tensions, including a naval blockade.
Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, said both countries are aligning against what he described as “unilateralism and Western domination,” framing the meeting as part of a broader push by independent nations to strengthen cooperation. He added that discussions would focus on expanding joint programmes and coordinating regional and global engagements.
Meanwhile, hopes of reviving direct US-Iran talks faded after President Donald Trump cancelled a planned envoy trip to Pakistan, shortly after the Iranian delegation left the country. Despite this, indirect communication between both sides is said to be continuing through mediators.
Reports indicate that Iran has conveyed a set of “red lines” to the US via Pakistan, covering key issues such as its nuclear programme and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump, however, maintained that dialogue remains possible if Iran is willing to engage, stating that Tehran knows the core condition—abandoning any pursuit of nuclear weapons.
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Rising tensions have also impacted global markets, with oil prices increasing over the weekend. Brent crude rose to $107.55 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate climbed to $96.42.
In a related move, the US recently imposed sanctions on Hengli Petrochemical, one of China’s largest independent refiners, for allegedly purchasing Iranian oil, triggering a sharp drop in its share value.
