Iran FM Ends Tour Pushing War-End Proposal

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded a multi-stop diplomatic tour on Monday, visiting Pakistan, Oman, and Russia to rally support for ending a war with the United States and Israel that began on February 28, 2026. The effort centers on a new Iranian proposal, transmitted through Pakistani mediators, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt hostilities in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade on Iranian ports, while postponing talks on Tehran's nuclear program.

Araghchi's trip, which began April 24, included consultations in Islamabad on negotiation conditions and in Muscat on Gulf relations and Hormuz management. In St. Petersburg, he met Russian President Vladimir Putin, who received a message from Iran's Supreme Leader and pledged support. "Russia, just like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relations," Putin said, according to Russian state media. He praised Iranians for "courageously and heroically" defending their sovereignty and committed to doing "everything possible" for regional peace. Araghchi affirmed the countries' strategic partnership, noting Russia had stood by Iran in difficult times.

The proposal outlines three stages: first,...