A motorcade believed to be carrying Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon his departure, as Pakistan prepares to host the U.S. and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 26, 2026. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro
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AKHTAR SOOMRO

Iran’s Foreign Minister headed to Russia on Sunday (April 26, 2026) 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 visited Oman between trips to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad and is expected to meet President Vladimir Putin on Monday (April 27, 2026), according to the Iranian ambassador.

Also Read | Israel-Iran war updates on April 26, 2026

Iran, through ‌Pakistani mediators, gave the U.S. ⁠a new proposal ‌on the reopening ‌of ‌the ⁠Strait of Hormuz ⁠and the ending of ‌the war, with nuclear negotiations postponed ‌for a later stage, Axios ⁠reported on Sunday (April 26, 2026), ‌citing a U.S. official and two ‌sources with knowledge of the ⁠matter.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and discussed the evolving regional situation.

“During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted fifty minutes, the two leaders had a detailed exchange of views on the current regional situation and ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region,” the Prime Minister’s office said.

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Attempts at ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran fell flat after Tehran’s top diplomat left Pakistan, and President Donald Trump’s envoys stayed away after he told them not to travel to Islamabad. Mr. Trump said there was no point “sitting around talking about nothing” but adding the war would not immediately resume.

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The U.S. naval forces intercepted an Iran-linked vessel in the Arabian Sea on Saturday (April 25, 2026), said the U.S. Central Command.

Taking to X, it said that the U.S. Department of Treasury has sanctioned M/V Sevan and 18 other “shadow fleet” vessels “for for activities related to transporting billions of dollars worth of Iranian energy, oil and gas products, including propane and butane, to foreign markets”.

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