Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg on Monday, expressing hope for a swift peace and asserting that Iran would overcome the 'difficult period' of war, according to Russia's state news agency RIA.

'For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests, the interests of all the people of the region, so that peace can be achieved as soon as possible,' Putin was quoted as saying.

Araghchi arrived in Russia following trips to mediators Pakistan and Oman to discuss the Middle East conflict, as peace efforts between Tehran and Washington remain on hold. Iran is said to have offered the US a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran reportedly seeking to postpone nuclear negotiations.

Iran's Fars news agency reported that efforts are ongoing to create conditions for a second round of US-Iran talks, saying Tehran had sent 'written messages' to Washington via mediator Pakistan.

Upon arrival in Moscow, Araghchi blamed the US for the failure of the first round of negotiations in Pakistan in mid-April, stating: 'The US approaches caused the previous round of negotiations, despite progress, to fail to reach its goals because of the excessive demands.'

The US has maintained increased pressure on Tehran, including a blockade of its fossil fuel exports, demanding that Iran abandon its uranium enrichment program, which Washington alleges is aimed at building nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Source: www.dw.com