Iran clarifies Araghchi’s Pakistan, Oman and Russia visits were about bilateral ties, not nuclear talks

Rashmi Pandey — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:57:00 +0000

Iranian parliament security official Ebrahim Rezaei said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visits to Pakistan, Oman and Russia were not meant for nuclear talks and were instead focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. The remarks came amid intensified diplomatic activity across the region and renewed scrutiny over Iran’s foreign policy direction.

Rezaei, the spokesperson for the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said the trips were part of wider consultations on regional issues rather than a nuclear negotiating track. Reporting on Araghchi’s travel showed that the Iranian foreign minister was scheduled to visit Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow for bilateral consultations and discussions on the regional situation.

According to the reports, Araghchi’s agenda included talks in Pakistan, a stop in Oman and further meetings in Russia. Reuters-style coverage and other international reporting said he departed Islamabad for Moscow after his regional meetings, while Iranian officials framed the tour as diplomatic engagement rather than direct nuclear negotiations.

Rezaei also said the Foreign Ministry carries out the top policies of the Islamic Republic and sees itself as a “soldier” of the country’s leadership. His comments underscored the close alignment between Iran’s foreign policy institutions and the office of the supreme leader, which retains major authority over strategic decisions.

In the same remarks, Rezaei said Iran’s armed forces are at maximum readiness and would respond with strong force to any attack. His warning came as regional tensions remain high and Iranian officials continue to present a hardline security posture alongside active diplomacy.

Separate reports from April 26 said Rezaei questioned Pakistan’s role as a mediator in any wider negotiations, calling it an unsuitable intermediary. He said a mediator must remain impartial, while also describing Pakistan as a neighbour and friend.

Araghchi’s movements across Pakistan, Oman and Russia have therefore become part of a broader political message from Tehran: diplomacy is continuing, but not on terms that suggest nuclear talks are being held through these visits. The official line from Iran remains that the trip is tied to bilateral relations and regional developments.

Iran‑Russia call: Tehran ready for “balanced and fair” peace deal

Rashmi Pandey — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:37:02 +0000

Iran’s President has told his Russian counterpart that Iran is ready for a “balanced and fair” agreement that would secure stable peace and regional security, according to Iranian state‑media reports relayed in open‑source channels on 12 April 2026. The remarks were made during a telephone call with the Russian President, in which Tehran stressed that any deal emerging from the ongoing US‑brokered talks must be equitable and not tilt in favour of any single power. Iranian media describe the call as a high‑level coordination effort to align Moscow and Tehran on the parameters of a potential ceasefire‑linked understanding.

The Iranian President said that Tehran welcomes a framework that guarantees “stable peace and security,” emphasizing that Iran will not accept agreements that leave it exposed to renewed pressure or military threats. State‑linked reports quote him as insisting that the accord must also address Iran’s core concerns about sanctions relief, verification mechanisms, and limits on air and missile operations in surrounding waters and skies. Iranian officials have framed the call as part of a broader diplomatic push to keep Russia, along with China and other partners, engaged in the negotiations, especially as US‑led sanctions and tariff threats weigh on the Iranian economy.

Russian open‑source coverage notes that Moscow reaffirmed its support for a diplomatic solution and urged all sides to avoid further escalation during the talks being held in Islamabad. The Russian side reportedly welcomed Iran’s stated readiness for a “balanced and fair” deal, but did not disclose any specific new terms or concessions. Both leaders are quoted as agreeing that any agreement must be “durable and mutually binding,” even as Washington and Tehran continue to publicly disagree on red‑line issues such as enrichment levels and regional‑military restrictions.

The Iranian President’s call with his Russian counterpart comes amid reports of heightened economic and security pressure on Iran, including US threats of 50 percent tariffs on countries supplying arms to Tehran and intensified rhetoric from Washington. Iranian state media have used the “balanced and fair” formula to signal that Tehran is willing to negotiate but will not accept what it calls one‑sided, imposed‑surrender‑style terms. Open‑source records show that both Moscow and Tehran continue to portray the Islamabad‑based process as the only viable route to de‑escalation, even as differences remain over the exact content of any final agreement.

Key highlights

Iran’s President tells Russian counterpart Tehran is ready for “balanced and fair” agreement.
Call stresses need for stable peace and security in any deal.
Iranian media say Iran will not accept one‑sided terms or security‑exposure.
Moscow backs diplomatic solution and calls for durable, mutually binding accord.
Remarks come amid US tariffs threats and intense Iran‑related negotiations.

nuclear talks | Business Upturn

Iran clarifies Araghchi’s Pakistan, Oman and Russia visits were about bilateral ties, not nuclear talks

Iran‑Russia call: Tehran ready for “balanced and fair” peace deal