Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Russia on Monday for high-level consultations on regional and international issues, as Tehran and Moscow seek to deepen bilateral ties amid intensifying conflicts.
Speaking upon arrival at Pulkovo International Airport, Araghchi said recent US-Israeli aggression against Iran had created a gap in meetings with Russian counterparts. “We have tried to use the available opportunity, following our trips to Pakistan and Oman, to travel to Russia,” he stated.
Foreign Minister @araghchi arrived in Saint Petersburg early on Monday, for an official visit to the Russian Federation.
— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) April 27, 2026
He is scheduled to hold talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, and Russian President Vladimir Putin during this trip. pic.twitter.com/Bvwwa9kVtN
Araghchi described Monday’s talks as a crucial chance to discuss the latest developments in the war, expressing confidence that close coordination between the two nations would prove particularly significant.
Constructive Consultations in Pakistan
Reflecting on his visits to Islamabad and Oman over the past three days, Araghchi emphasized their bilateral nature. He noted Pakistan’s role as a mediator in Iran-US negotiations and said it was necessary to review the latest situation with Pakistani officials.
“Previous negotiations, despite some progress, did not achieve their goals due to American approaches, their excessive demands, and their wrong policies,” Araghchi explained. “Therefore, we needed to hold consultations with our friends in Pakistan to review the latest developments.”
He stressed that securing the rights of the Iranian people remains a vital objective: “We must secure the rights of the Iranian people after 40 days of resistance and protect the country’s interests.”
Iran-Oman Expert Talks on Strait of Hormuz to Continue
Referring to meetings with senior Omani officials, Araghchi noted that both Iran and Oman are littoral states of the Strait of Hormuz, making mutual consultation essential especially as safe passage through the strategic waterway has become a globally significant issue.
“It is natural that as two coastal countries of this strait, we must talk to each other to secure our common interests and coordinate any action taken in this regard, because the interests of Iran and Oman are directly involved,” he said.
Araghchi confirmed a broad consensus exists between the two nations, with an agreement to continue consultations at the expert level.
Iran closed the waterway to enemies and their allies following the launch of US-Israeli aggression against Iran on February 28, which included the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, and several top military commanders.
On April 8, a temporary Pakistan-brokered ceasefire took effect after 40 days of war. Talks ensued in Islamabad but stopped short of an agreement amid what Tehran described as the United States’ maximalist demands and insistence on unreasonable positions.
Iran announced the reopening of the strait to commercial traffic following a ceasefire declaration by US President Donald Trump on April 7. However, the country imposed a total closure on the waterway again on April 18 after Trump said the US would continue an unlawful blockade against Iran in continuation of its unlawful aggression.
Source: Iranian agencies.