ST. PETERSBURG — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in St. Petersburg as U.S.-mediated peace talks aimed at ending the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel remained stalled.
Araghchi arrived in Russia earlier Monday following visits to Pakistan and Oman over the weekend. Russian and Iranian state media reported that the meeting with Putin would focus on regional and international issues, including developments in the ongoing conflict.
Upon his arrival, Araghchi told Iranian media that he traveled to Russia “with the aim of continuing close consultations between Tehran and Moscow on regional and international issues.” He added that the meeting with Putin “will be a good opportunity to discuss developments in the war and review the latest situation,” according to Iranian state media.
The visit comes after U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip by his envoys to Islamabad for indirect talks with Iranian representatives, citing internal issues within Tehran’s leadership and insufficient offers from Iran. Trump posted on social media that “too much time [was] wasted on traveling” and suggested Iran could negotiate directly by phone.
Iranian officials have blamed the United States for the lack of progress. Araghchi attributed the breakdown in the first round of talks in Pakistan to “excessive demands” from the U.S. side, despite what he described as some advancement. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran will not engage in negotiations under threat or blockade.
The diplomatic efforts follow indirect talks held in Pakistan earlier in April, where mediators from Pakistan conveyed positions between the two sides. Issues under discussion have included Iran’s nuclear program and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Details of specific demands or offers from either side remain unclear.
Araghchi also held consultations in Muscat with Omani officials and made multiple trips to Islamabad, where he reportedly provided a list of Iran’s “red lines,” including matters related to nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire in parts of the conflict has held in recent weeks, but broader negotiations have not produced a lasting agreement. No immediate comments were available from the Kremlin or U.S. officials on the outcome of Monday’s meeting in St. Petersburg.
As of Monday evening, Araghchi’s discussions with Putin and other Russian officials were underway, according to reports from both countries’ state media. Further details on any agreements or next steps were not immediately released.
