KREMLIN COLD SHOULDER? Iran’s Top Envoy Races to Moscow as U.S. Diplomacy Hits a Wall
Araghchi’s visit comes after a round of shuttle diplomacy between Pakistan and Oman failed to bridge gaps between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials said the Moscow trip is part of efforts to secure backing from key allies amid ongoing pressure.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Moscow on Monday to meet President Vladimir Putin, as diplomatic efforts to end the war with the United States showed little progress.
Araghchi’s visit comes after a round of shuttle diplomacy between Pakistan and Oman failed to bridge gaps between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials said the Moscow trip is part of efforts to secure backing from key allies amid ongoing pressure.
The move underscores Iran’s pivot toward Russia as talks with the United States remain stalled over core issues, including Tehran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said over the weekend that Iran could initiate contact if it wanted to resume negotiations, but emphasized that any deal would require Tehran to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions.
Tehran has rejected negotiating under pressure, with President Masoud Pezeshkian calling for the removal of US measures, including its maritime blockade, before meaningful talks can take place.
The diplomatic impasse has added to global uncertainty, with disruptions in Gulf shipping and rising oil prices following the breakdown in negotiations.