The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has departed Islamabad for Moscow, where he is expected to hold talks with senior officials, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
Araghchi’s visit comes as mediators seek to keep alive the
possibility of renewed negotiations between Iran and the United States. He had
earlier traveled between Islamabad and Muscat as part of ongoing diplomatic
efforts.
While there has been no indication of direct talks resuming,
Iran has reportedly sent “written messages” to the United States through
Pakistan, outlining key positions, including nuclear issues and the strategic
Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media said these messages were not part of formal
negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump last week extended a ceasefire
agreed on April 7, which largely halted fighting that began on Feb. 28
following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. However, a lasting agreement has
yet to be reached.
The conflict continues to impact global markets, with Iran
effectively restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil
and gas shipments, while Washington has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
Plans for a new round of talks in Islamabad were canceled
after Trump called off a visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,
saying further discussions would be unproductive.
Trump reiterated that Iran could initiate contact if it
seeks negotiations, stating that the United States remains open to
communication through secure channels.
