Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to Russia after making a return trip to Pakistan shortly after visiting Oman, as negotiations between the United States and Iran to end the war remain stalled. Iranian media said the flurry of travel and calls reflects efforts to align negotiating terms and secure support from regional partners.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Araghchi on April 26 (local time) met in Oman with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, then immediately returned to Islamabad to meet Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, and other officials. Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency said the visit was aimed at using Pakistan, described as a mediator, to convey Iran’s demands for ending the war.
Araghchi presented key agenda items to Pakistani officials, including a new legal framework for the Strait of Hormuz, compensation for war damage, guarantees against renewed attacks by the parties to the conflict, and lifting a maritime blockade on Iran.
An Iranian official said the ongoing discussions are focused on conditions to end the recent military conflict and are “not related at all” to the nuclear issue.
After Pakistan, Araghchi is expected to head to Moscow, the final stop on his trip. Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed he plans to hold high-level talks there.
Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, told ISNA news agency that Araghchi is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 27. Jalali said Araghchi will hold in-depth talks with senior Russian officials on the status of the ceasefire and the ongoing negotiations, as well as recent shifts in the regional situation.
In a post on X, Jalali said Araghchi would meet Putin as part of what he called continued “diplomatic jihad” to advance Iran’s national interests amid external threats. He said Araghchi is expected to outline Iran’s negotiating goals and plans and seek Russian support.
Iran has also expanded diplomatic contacts with neighboring and other countries. Iranian state media reported that Araghchi held a series of calls on April 25-26 with the foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and met Oman’s ruler the same day.
The outreach comes as the United States and Iran have not finalized a schedule for a second round of talks, leaving negotiations in a deadlock, according to the report.
CNN reported that Araghchi discussed “diplomacy and a ceasefire” and “recent regional developments” with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. In his call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Araghchi said European countries have an important role to play in sustaining a ceasefire.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told Araghchi that Qatar is ready to continue playing an active role in mediation and promoting dialogue to end the war. Iranian media also reported that Araghchi briefed Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Iran’s diplomatic efforts to end the war and ease tensions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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