Iran Foreign Minister Arrives in Russia as US Talks Remain Stalled

Iran’s foreign minister arrived in Russia on Monday as peace efforts between Tehran and Washington hung in the balance, following a flurry of regional diplomacy and the collapse of planned talks in Pakistan.

Abbas Araghchi arrived in Saint Petersburg, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Telegram, where he is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It comes after Araghchi visited Oman between trips to Pakistani capital Islamabad, as mediators push to keep peace talks between Tehran and Washington alive. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump scrapped a planned trip to Islamabad by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

In a sign that efforts were ongoing, the Fars news agency said Iran had sent “written messages” to the Americans via mediator Pakistan outlining red lines, including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz. Fars said the messages were not part of formal negotiations, however.

In Lebanon, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remains fragile, despite Trump’s announcement on Thursday of a three-week extension and his optimistic remarks about the prospects for peace between the two countries following an ambassadorial-level meeting at the White House.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli strikes on the country’s south on Sunday killed 14 people, including two women and two children, and wounded 37. (AFP)