Iran's Foreign Minister accused the US of failing negotiations upon arrival in Russia
Kyiv • UNN
Araghchi accused the US of disrupting negotiations due to excessive demands. Iran proposes opening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for ending the naval blockade of ports.
The head of Iranian diplomacy, Abbas Araghchi, on Monday accused Washington of the failure of negotiations upon his arrival in Russia as part of a whirlwind diplomatic tour, amid signs that direct talks between the warring parties appear to have reached a deadlock, AFP reports, according to UNN.
Details
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the statement in Saint Petersburg, where he is expected to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, having traveled to Oman between visits to the main mediator, Pakistan, over the past few days.
Islamabad hosted the first and only round of unsuccessful talks between Washington and Tehran, and Araghchi's visit raised hopes for new negotiations over the weekend until US President Donald Trump canceled the planned trip of his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
"US approaches led to the previous round of negotiations, despite progress, failing to achieve its goals due to excessive demands," Araghchi said on Monday.
Following the cancellation of his envoys' trip, Trump told Fox News that if Iran wants negotiations, "they can come to us or call us," though he noted that the cancellation of the trip does not mean a resumption of hostilities.
In a sign that back-channel negotiations are continuing, the Fars news agency reported that Iran had passed "written messages" to the Americans via Pakistan outlining "red lines," including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the Fars agency stated that these messages are not part of official negotiations.
The American media outlet Axios, citing a US official and two other sources familiar with the situation, reported on Sunday that Iran had sent a new proposal to end the war, focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the US naval blockade, while nuclear talks have been postponed.
The Iranian state news agency IRNA referred to this report without denying it.
The truce in the US-Israeli war with Iran is holding for now, but its economic consequences continue to be felt worldwide, the publication notes.
Iran blocked the strait, cutting off supplies of oil, gas, and fertilizers, which led to a sharp rise in prices and sparked fears over food security in developing countries.
In response, the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports within the strait and beyond.
Trump faces domestic pressure due to rising fuel prices following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while midterm elections are set to take place in November. Polls indicate that the war is unpopular among Americans.
The issue of the strait was included on the agenda of Araghchi's trip to Oman, which is located on the other side of the strait from Iran.
"Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is an important global issue. Of course, as two coastal countries of this strait, we must engage in dialogue with each other to ensure the protection of our common interests," Araghchi stated from Saint Petersburg.
Russian and Iranian state media confirmed that Araghchi will speak with Putin, citing representatives of their governments.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated it has no intention of lifting its market-disrupting blockade, asserting that control over the Strait of Hormuz "and maintaining its deterrent influence on America... is the core strategy" of Tehran.
Oil prices began to rise again on Monday, although lingering hopes for a deal somewhat slowed this growth.
Trump announces three-week extension of Israel-Lebanon truce24.04.26, 00:54 • 20136 views
Meanwhile, violence on the Lebanese front continues despite the recently extended truce between Israel and Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran.
On Sunday, both sides exchanged mutual accusations of violations, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the military is "vigorously" striking the group, while both sides reported new attacks.
Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into the Middle East war on March 2, firing rockets at Israel in retaliation for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to which Israel responded with strikes and a ground invasion.
At a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that Hezbollah's actions are "destroying the truce," while Hezbollah vowed to respond to violations by Israel and its "ongoing occupation."
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that Israeli strikes on the south of the country on Sunday killed 14 people, making it the deadliest day since the truce came into effect.
AFP correspondents reported heavy traffic congestion on roads leading north as people fled following warnings and intensified attacks.
Israel also reported the death of a soldier in combat in southern Lebanon.
The country claims that under the terms of the truce, it can act against "planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks."
"This means freedom of action not only to respond to attacks... but also to prevent immediate threats and even emerging threats," Netanyahu said.