Rabat – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Russia on Monday for talks with President Vladimir Putin as Tehran intensified diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israel war on Iran.
Upon his arrival, Araghchi said he had traveled to Moscow “with the aim of continuing close consultations between Tehran and Moscow on regional and international issues,” according to Iranian state media. He added that his meeting with Putin “will be a good opportunity to discuss developments in the war and review the latest situation.”
“I am confident that these consultations and coordination between the two countries in this regard will be of particular importance,” he said.
The visit follows earlier talks in Muscat with Omani officials, part of a broader diplomatic push that also includes backchannel efforts involving Pakistan and Oman to prevent a return to open war.
Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on April 8 after more than a month of fighting triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The truce, mediated by Pakistan, has since come under strain due to disputes over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and a US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Parallel tensions involving Israel and Lebanon further complicated the outlook
Russia’s role in diplomacy
Analysts say Russia could play a central role in determining whether the war moves toward negotiation or renewed escalation.
“Russia is going to play a key role when it comes to both,” said Tohid Asadi, speaking from Tehran. “Iran has several demands and is trying to prioritize them based on the situation, including the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of extending the ceasefire or facing another confrontation.”
The diplomatic push comes after US President Donald Trump scrapped plans to send envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks, citing “tremendous infighting and confusion” within Iran’s leadership.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not enter negotiations while the blockade remains in place.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces were continuing to enforce the blockade.
“American forces have directed 38 ships to turn around or return to port,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
Pakistan’s mediation efforts
Trump said Iran had “offered a lot, but not enough,” adding that Iranian leaders “can come to us, or they can call us” if they want to resume talks.
Araghchi earlier described discussions in Islamabad as “very productive,” saying they included a review of “the specific conditions under which negotiations between Iran and the US could continue.”
Pakistani officials remain cautiously optimistic. According to a diplomatic source cited by Osama Bin Javid, recent developments have increased pressure for a lasting agreement.
“We are being told here in Islamabad that we are inching towards a framework of sorts, not just the Iranians and the Americans, but essentially the Gulf countries as well,” the source said.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts, significant differences remain, raising uncertainty over how quickly a durable settlement can be reached.
