The Iranian president has said the United States must first remove obstacles, including its maritime blockade, before negotiations can begin to lay the groundwork for a settlement.
US President Donald Trump said Iran could contact the United States by phone if it wants to negotiate an end to the two-month war, as Iran’s foreign minister arrived in Russia on Monday to seek support from President Vladimir Putin.
According to reports, Trump reiterated that Iran can “call us” to initiate talks, while stressing that any agreement would require Iran to forgo nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Moscow after a series of diplomatic engagements with regional mediators.
The developments come as diplomatic efforts remain stalled amid ongoing tensions and competing proposals for a possible settlement.
Hopes of reviving peace efforts diminished on Saturday after US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit to Islamabad by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled between mediators Pakistan and Oman on Sunday before heading to Russia, as both sides remain divided over key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and access through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said Iran could reach out directly if it wants to negotiate an end to the conflict, stating on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, “If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us… there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines.”
He added that Iran is aware of the conditions for any agreement, stressing, “They cannot have a nuclear weapon; otherwise, there’s no reason to meet.”
Iran has maintained that it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while Western governments argue the programme is intended for developing nuclear weapons.
Although a ceasefire has halted full-scale fighting in the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, no final settlement has been reached. Axios reported that Iran recently submitted a proposal via Pakistani mediators calling for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war, with nuclear talks to follow later. The US administration has not officially responded to the report.
With domestic approval ratings under pressure, Trump faces calls to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran has used its strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant share of global oil passes—as leverage in negotiations, while tensions over maritime routes remain high.
Diplomatic efforts continue as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has shuttled between Oman and Pakistan before heading to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin. Iranian officials described the visit as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to advance national interests amid external pressure.
Relations between the US and Iran remain deeply strained, extending beyond the nuclear issue to Iran’s regional influence and missile capabilities. The US has pushed for limits on Tehran’s support for allied groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, while Iran is demanding sanctions relief and an end to Israeli military actions in the region.
Meanwhile, violence continues elsewhere in the region, with Israeli strikes in Lebanon reportedly killing 14 people and injuring 37, despite an existing ceasefire that has failed to fully stop hostilities.
