As negotiations remain stalled due to fundamental disagreements between the United States and Iran particularly over the issue of opening the Strait of Hormuz Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.
Donald Trump has demanded that any peace deal include Iran’s nuclear program and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as key conditions. However, Iranian officials say their proposal does not include the nuclear issue.
Russia and Iran maintain close cooperation across several sectors, although Moscow has not provided open military support to Tehran. According to Russian state agency Interfax, Putin confirmed he had received a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and stated that Russia and Iran will continue their strategic partnership.
Putin praised Iran’s struggle for sovereignty, saying the Iranian people are “fighting courageously and heroically for their independence.” He also expressed hope for a swift peace in the region.
Araghchi, meanwhile, said relations between Tehran and Moscow are at their highest level and will continue to strengthen, thanking Russia for its support.
Tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas shipping route. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have rejected Iran’s latest proposal as unacceptable, arguing it does not meet Washington’s conditions.
Reports also suggest Trump is planning a crisis meeting with top security advisers to discuss the stalled negotiations and possible next steps in the conflict.
