Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of derailing recent peace efforts, saying Washington’s “excessive demands” were the main reason the talks in Islamabad failed to produce results. He made the remarks after arriving in Russia, where he is expected to consult with President Vladimir Putin on the latest developments in the Middle East.
Araghchi said the discussions in Islamabad were intended to define the conditions under which negotiations could continue, but argued that the American approach prevented the process from moving forward despite what he described as prior progress. His comments came at a moment when diplomatic momentum has weakened and indirect channels remain the main route for communication between Tehran and Washington.
The Iranian minister also linked the current crisis to the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that security in the waterway remains an international issue and calling for closer regional cooperation, including with Oman. Araghchi discussed Hormuz security with Omani officials in Muscat on April 26 and argued for a regional security framework with less outside interference.
His trip to Russia follows a broader diplomatic circuit that has included Pakistan and Oman, reflecting Tehran’s attempt to shore up support and keep negotiations alive through intermediaries and partners. At the same time, hopes for renewed direct progress were hit after President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip to Pakistan by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, saying there had been insufficient movement from Iran.
Even so, the diplomatic track has not fully closed. Reports indicate that Tehran has continued sending messages through Pakistani mediators, outlining its red lines on issues such as its nuclear program and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi’s latest remarks therefore underscore a widening gap between the two sides: Iran says the problem is Washington’s maximalist position, while the White House maintains that Tehran has yet to offer terms serious enough to restart talks on a firmer basis.
