Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Russia on Monday for discussions with President Vladimir Putin. The visit follows diplomatic stops in Islamabad and Muscat and comes amid stalled negotiations with the United States. Araghchi has maintained Iran's position against direct talks with the US, particularly under the current naval blockade. Iranian ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, described the Russia-Iran meeting as a "diplomatic Jihad" aimed at strengthening coordination between nations opposing "unilateralism and Western domination." He stated the two countries stand united against what he called a campaign by "world's totalitarian forces" targeting independent, justice-seeking states. The talks are expected to advance joint regional and international programmes. Efforts to resume direct US-Iran talks weakened after former President Donald Trump cancelled a planned envoy trip to Pakistan just as Iranian delegates left the country. Indirect communication continues through mediators, with Iran reportedly sending a written list of "red lines" to the US via Pakistan. These include nuclear issues and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, in a Fox News interview, said Iranian leaders could call him directly if ready, stating the condition for talks is clear: Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon. Oil prices rose over the weekend amid tensions, with Brent crude reaching $107.55 a barrel and US WTI hitting $96.42. Last week, the US sanctioned Hengli Petrochemical, a major Chinese refiner, for allegedly purchasing Iranian oil, leading to a 10 per cent drop in its shares.
Abbas Araghchi calls for dialogue through mediators while rejecting direct contact with the US, even as Trump openly invites a phone call. The refusal to engage directly, despite an open channel, deepens the contradiction in Iran's diplomatic stance. Nigerians reliant on imported fuel may face higher costs as oil prices climb amid escalating rhetoric. The sanction on a Chinese refiner signals broader market risks that could affect global energy supply chains.
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