Abbas Araghchi departs for Moscow after Islamabad stop as US cancels envoy trip
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Apr 26
Abbas Araghchi departs for Moscow after Islamabad stop as US cancels envoy trip
19 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Apr 26
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Islamabad for Moscow after talks with Pakistan's army chief, as President Trump canceled US envoys' Pakistan visit, calling Iran's peace offer insufficient.
Trump insisted Iran must negotiate by phone, while oil prices surged to $96.50 (WTI) and $107.75 (Brent) amid continued Strait of Hormuz closure and failed ceasefire talks.
Regional diplomacy intensified with Araghchi speaking to French and Qatari leaders, while US allies and Chevron's CEO stressed the urgent need to reopen sea lanes to stabilize global energy markets.
With global oil supplies cut by 20%, what happens if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed?
Are secret US-Iran talks a genuine path to peace or just a stalling tactic?
As Iran's economy collapses under dual blockades, is a major humanitarian crisis now inevitable?
Does Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz give it more leverage than Washington admits?
How will the destruction of Qatar's gas facilities reshape global energy markets for years?
In a standoff of mutual economic pain, which side's 'red lines' will bend first?
Iran's 2026 Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Diplomacy Deadlock, Regional War, and Global Energy Crisis
Overview
In late April 2026, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi embarked on shuttle diplomacy through Oman, Pakistan, and Moscow to break a deadlock with the United States over Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. naval blockade, and Iran's nuclear program. Pakistan mediated indirect talks, but deep mistrust and uncompromising demands led to their failure. Iran maintained its strategic grip on the strait, escalating tensions with asymmetric military tactics, while the U.S. enforced a blockade and military readiness. Concurrently, Iran-backed Hezbollah intensified conflict with Israel, causing massive displacement and casualties. Russia's limited support and the ongoing stalemate fueled regional instability and a global energy crisis, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated diplomacy to prevent further escalation.