ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday praised Pakistan, saying the country played an important role in mediating the negotiations between Iran and the United States, as he undertook a flurry of regional diplomacy this week, with visits to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.

In remarks shared on his Telegram account, Araghchi said Tehran had "good consultations with our friends in Pakistan," recalling his recent diplomatic engagements over the past few days.

Pakistan visit and mediation role

Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on April 24 to "closely coordinate with partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments," he said in a post on X following the first round of peace talks between the US and Iran hosted in Islamabad on April 11, adding that "our neighbors are our priority."

He was received by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

On April 25, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the FM alongside senior civilian and military leadership, with talks focused on the broader regional situation and ongoing efforts to sustain dialogue and stability, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Describing the visit as "very fruitful," Araghchi praised Pakistan’s "good offices and brotherly efforts" in facilitating diplomacy in a post on X following his meetings in Islamabad.

He said he had shared Iran’s position on what he described as a "workable framework" to permanently end the war, while adding that Tehran was still assessing Washington’s commitment to diplomacy.

"We had good consultations with our friends in Pakistan, and fortunately, the visit was very successful," Araghchi added on Telegram, saying discussions focused on "the path and conditions under which negotiations can continue."

On the Islamabad talks, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam also expressed "sincere and wholehearted gratitude and appreciation" to Pakistan, especially Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, for their "tireless efforts and good office initiative to end the war and bring lasting peace to the region."

In a post on X, the ambassador said the talks were held in "complete security, safety and tranquility for the delegation,” praising Pakistan’s “perfect management, thoughtful planning and successful implementation."

Oman consultations and Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian FM then travelled to Oman, where he held consultations with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on April 26.

Discussions focused on regional developments, mediation efforts and endeavours aimed at ending conflicts, according to a post shared by Oman’s foreign ministry.

"Oman is a friendly and close country to us and has taken very positive positions," Araghchi said on Telegram on April 27, recalling his visit.

He added that the two sides also discussed coordination over the Strait of Hormuz, calling safe passage through the strait "an important global issue" requiring close cooperation.

Russia talks and strategic coordination

The same day, Tehran announced Araghchi’s departure for Russia to continue consultations on bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments.

He arrived in Saint Petersburg on Monday, state media reported.

"He arrived early on Monday morning with the aim of meeting and holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin," Iranian state news agency IRNA said, while Russia’s TASS news agency confirmed the meeting citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

During talks in Saint Petersburg, Putin said Moscow would do everything it could to help secure peace in the Middle East.

"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," Russian state media quoted Putin as telling Araghchi.

Putin also hailed "how courageously and heroically the people of Iran are fighting for their independence and sovereignty", the TASS news agency reported.

"Russia, just like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relationship," the Kremlin chief added.

On Telegram, Araghchi said Iran and Russia had "always maintained close consultations" on regional issues and that the visit aimed to coordinate positions on developments related to the war and the current situation after a gap in high-level engagements.

Regional tour

Araghchi praises Pakistan’s role in Iran-US talks as he leads regional tour