Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 27, according to a statement from Iran's Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, Araghchi outlined factors hindering the diplomatic process between Tehran and Washington.

The statement cited Araghchi as saying that “continued destructive tendencies of the United States, especially insistence on unfounded demands, frequent changes of positions, threatening rhetoric, and constant violation of commitments” are slowing down the development of diplomacy.

The minister also noted that Tehran will decide on whether to continue negotiations with the US, taking into account “America’s inclination toward sanctions and economic pressure, as well as the ongoing maritime piracy against Iranian commercial vessels.”

Araghchi further emphasized that “the connivance of some countries with US violations and aggression, as well as the consequences of their double standards, affect the entire international community.”

A truce between the US and Iran has been in place since April 8. US President Donald Trump extended it until Tehran presents a peace proposal and until negotiations “one way or another” conclude. However, the US has maintained a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, announced after the first round of US-Iran talks on April 11.

The second round of talks was scheduled for April 22 in Islamabad, but Tehran did not send a delegation, deeming the meeting unpromising. Trump also canceled the visit of special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Islamabad.

Source: kun.uz