Iran's top diplomat Araghchi travels to Russia seeking Putin's backing amid stalled US negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Moscow on Monday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington remain suspended.

The visit follows Araghchi's recent diplomatic missions to Pakistan and Oman, where he worked to address escalating tensions in the Middle East. His journey underscores Iran's intensified regional diplomacy at a time when peace negotiations with the United States have reached an impasse.

Washington blamed for negotiation collapse

Upon landing in Moscow, Araghchi attributed the failure of initial negotiations held in Pakistan in mid-April to US policy decisions. "The US approaches caused the previous round of negotiations, despite progress, to fail to reach its goals because of the excessive demands," he stated, according to reports from Iranian state media cited by AFP.

The Iranian foreign minister also emphasized that "safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is an important global issue." The waterway's effective closure due to regional conflict has created significant disruptions in worldwide oil and gas markets.

Strategic partnership amid broader conflicts

While Russia and Iran maintain close strategic ties, Moscow has exercised restraint in becoming directly involved in Middle Eastern developments as it pursues its ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.

Diplomatic efforts continue despite setbacks

Araghchi's multilateral tour reflects Iran's determination to advance its agenda despite bilateral talks with Washington hitting a wall. The US administration cancelled a planned Islamabad visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Saturday, with President Donald Trump characterizing such discussions as unproductive.

During his time in Pakistan on Saturday, Araghchi met with military chief Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He subsequently traveled to Oman, where discussions centered on reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, before returning to Pakistan and departing for St. Petersburg.

Back-channel communications ongoing

Despite the public diplomatic freeze, Iran's Fars news agency reported that behind-the-scenes efforts continue to establish conditions for a second negotiation round. Tehran has conveyed "written messages" to Washington through Pakistani intermediaries, outlining Iranian red lines regarding nuclear matters and maritime passage.

According to US news outlet Axios, citing official sources, Iran submitted a fresh proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities, with Tehran proposing to defer nuclear talks to a later phase.

Nuclear program remains contentious

The nuclear question remains a fundamental sticking point. Washington demands that Tehran cease uranium enrichment, contending it serves weapons development purposes. Iran maintains that its nuclear program exists solely for peaceful applications.