Iran turns to Russia as US talks collapse over Hormuz crisis

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Monday, as fragile peace efforts between Iran and the United States remain stalled following the collapse of planned talks in Pakistan.

Mr Araghchi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, as regional diplomacy intensifies to salvage negotiations.

The visit comes after Mr Araghchi’s shuttle diplomacy between Oman and Islamabad, where mediators had hoped to host fresh talks between Tehran and Washington.

However, on Saturday, 26 April, U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit to Islamabad by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, effectively stalling the next round of dialogue.

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Trump said, “If Iran wanted the talks, they can come to us, or they can call us,” downplaying concerns that the cancellation signalled renewed conflict.

Backchannel messages and proposals

Despite the setback, diplomatic contacts appear to be ongoing.

Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that Tehran had sent “written messages” to Washington through Pakistan, outlining red lines including nuclear issues and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

The agency noted that the exchanges were not part of formal negotiations.

Meanwhile, U.S.-based outlet Axios reported that Iran had proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities, with nuclear talks deferred to a later stage. The report was cited by Iran’s state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency without denial.

Economic fallout and strategic stakes

Although a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel war with Iran has largely held, tensions remain high, particularly over Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

The shutdown has disrupted global supplies of oil, gas, and fertiliser, triggering price spikes and raising concerns about food insecurity in developing countries. A U.S. blockade of the strait has further escalated the standoff.

Mr Araghchi, in a post on X, said discussions in Oman focused on ensuring “safe transit through Hormuz… to benefit neighbours and the world.”

However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards insisted the blockade remains central to its strategy.

“Controlling the Strait of Hormuz… is the definitive strategy of Islamic Iran,” the group said.

Regional tensions escalate

Beyond the diplomatic front, conflict dynamics continue to unfold in the region.

Israel and Hezbollah exchanged accusations over violations of a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that military operations against the Iran-backed group would continue.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes in the south killed 14 people, including women and children, and injured dozens, while Hezbollah vowed retaliation over what it described as continued violations.

The crisis is also fueling domestic pressure in the United States, where rising fuel prices linked to the Hormuz disruption are shaping political debate ahead of midterm elections scheduled for November 2026.

Polls indicate growing public opposition to the conflict, adding urgency to stalled diplomatic efforts.

Mr Araghchi’s visit to Russia signals Tehran’s effort to leverage strategic alliances as negotiations with Washington remain uncertain.

Officials from both Russia and Iran confirmed that talks with President Putin would focus on regional security and next steps in the diplomatic process.