POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Talks between the United States and Iran have reached an impasse, with disagreements over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz continuing to block progress.
During a meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that Moscow would do everything possible to help secure peace in the region. He emphasised Russia’s commitment to maintaining strong strategic ties with Tehran and supporting diplomatic solutions.
Araghchi, who has been on a regional tour including visits to Pakistan and Oman, said Iran had conveyed its position to Washington through intermediaries. The proposal reportedly focuses on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending hostilities, while delaying nuclear negotiations.
However, US officials have indicated that the proposal does not meet their key conditions. Donald Trump held meetings with his national security team to review the offer, though the White House has avoided sharing details publicly.
Iran has blamed the United States for the collapse of earlier talks, with Araghchi saying Washington’s “excessive demands” prevented progress despite initial momentum.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran appears serious about reaching an agreement but stressed that any deal must ensure Tehran cannot develop nuclear weapons. He also pointed to Iran’s worsening economic conditions, including inflation and ongoing sanctions, as factors pushing it toward negotiations.
At the same time, tensions spilled over into the global arena during a meeting of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference in New York City, where US and Iranian officials exchanged sharp criticism over Tehran’s nuclear activities. Iran also criticised the European Union for maintaining sanctions, calling them unfair and harmful to its citizens.
Despite the diplomatic deadlock, Russia has reiterated that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue, signalling its intent to play a key role in efforts to stabilise the region.