Iran steps up its efforts on the diplomatic front

Amid an apparent stalemate in negotiations between Iran and the United States, Tehran has stepped up its diplomatic efforts by reprioritizing closer consultations with its neighbors and allies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Monday, Russia's state-run RIA news agency reported.

Putin said Russia hoped the Iranian people ‌will weather ‌a "difficult period" and that ‌peace will prevail. He added that Russia would ​do everything ‌in the interests of Iran and ‌other ​countries in the region.

Earlier, Araghchi said his trip to Russia — following visits to Pakistan and Oman — was intended to resume close consultations between Tehran and Moscow on regional and international developments and to strengthen bilateral ties.

He said Iran's focus includes ways to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to benefit "all dear neighbors and the world", emphasizing that "our neighbors are our priority".

Araghchi said the visit to Russia offered a timely opportunity to review recent developments and coordinate positions, stressing that such coordination between the two countries was important.

He said his earlier stop in Islamabad, where he met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was necessary as Pakistan is mediating between Iran and the US.

Araghchi also noted that previous talks had made some progress but failed to achieve their aims, blaming Washington's excessive demands and misguided approach.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said on Sunday that he had a "good discussion" on the Strait of Hormuz with his Iranian counterpart.

"We recognize our shared responsibility to the international community and the urgent humanitarian need to free the seafarers held for far too long. Much diplomacy is required and practical solutions to ensure lasting freedom of navigation," said Al Busaidi.

On Sunday, Araghchi spoke with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to discuss the ceasefire and regional developments. Barrot emphasized his country's support for Iran's diplomatic approach and expressed hope that through talks, peace can return to the region.

On the same day, Araghchi also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. They discussed regional developments and efforts to de-escalate and ease regional tensions.

These developments came as US-based media outlet Axios reported that Tehran had given Washington a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Axios said US President Donald Trump was expected to hold a Situation Room meeting on Iran on Monday with his top security and foreign policy team, citing officials.

A source said that Trump's team would discuss the stalemate in negotiations and the potential next steps.

Trump earlier canceled the trip by special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Islamabad, saying the travel time and expense were excessive for what he said was an insufficient Iranian offer.

Trump said Iran "offered a lot, but not enough", indicating that the ball was now in Tehran's court.

He also said if Iran wanted to talk, "they can come to us, or they can call us", as he reiterated that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon, otherwise there's no reason to meet".

Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday that the US has exhausted much of its leverage in economic confrontation with Iran, adding that Tehran still holds significant "cards" to play.

Abdel Aziz Abu Hamad Aluwaisheg, assistant secretary-general for Political and Negotiation Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz must not remain a "hostage to negotiations between the US and Iran".