Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad
Iran has mustered enough support from not only the traditional allies but the rivals as well by convincing them on the common interests in the region while Pakistan is still central in peace efforts between US and Iran as well as forging a regional understanding of reconciliation, security and stability in the region. The latest visits of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in the same connection. Now it is not in between US Iran and Pakistan only but the scope of the engagements is larger than imaginations of many. The new marathon meetings and interactions of Araghchi for a wider arrangement are taking place with Pakistan on the board that can bring something rationale from US side as well.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured Abbas Araghchi of his full support in meeting with him in St. Petersburg. Mr. Putin said, Moscow will do everything that serves the interests of Iran after receiving a message from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei.
Putin held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in St. Petersburg on Monday, April 27. “For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests, the interests of all the peoples of the region, to achieve this peace as quickly as possible,” Putin told Araqchi, RIA Novosti reported.
Putin noted that he received a message from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, wishing the Leader health and prosperity.
“We sincerely hope that, drawing on this courage and desire for independence, the Iranian people will, under the leadership of a new Leader, navigate this difficult period of trials—and peace will come,” he added.
Araqchi said that Iran will continue to fight against the US aggression.Araqchi said it has been proven to the entire world that the Iranian people, through their resistance and their courage, were able to resist the US war of aggression and will be able to endure and withstand this period of time.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has described the talks between his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, and President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg as constructive.
Abbas Araqchi is in Russia, at the concluding phase of his multinational visits. He is here after his visits to Pakistan , Oman and telephonic contacts with Saudi, Qatari counterparts and a representative of European Union. These interactins are enought to consider his tour as not only important but most probably like hiting the iron while it is hot.
President Trump has already shared that he has recieved a paper of proposals from Iran and the sides can negotiate on that to move forward on the process initiated by Pakistan. Araghchi’s multinational engagements including major players of the Gulf indicate that he is near to finalize something that would enable him to sit on the table with US team again in the coming days.
In the meanwhile, Pakistan has issued a notification regarding transit trade of Iran from a third country , through Pakistan to be dispatched to Iran. Apparently it is a bilateral arrangement but this is not only trade and bilateral because Iran already giving transit to Pakistan and just a transit for Iran through Pakistan is a reciprocatory step. According to this notification, Iran can import trade items from China via land route of Pakistan.
Araqchi was in Pakistan on 25 April and then 26 April. He landed in Islamabad again after concluding his trip to the Sultanate of Oman and before traveling to Russia, as part of his three-nation tour. He visited Islamabad for the second time in two days after a trip to Oman. Irani delegation held a series of high-profile meetings with Pakistani officials PM Shehbaz and Army Chief Asim Munir in Islamabad on April 25.
He left Pakistan on Saturday night for Muscat, where he met with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Sunday.The Iranian foreign minister had another round of consultations with Pakistani authorities about the latest regional developments and to convey Tehran’s views about a ceasefire in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran.
His visit to Pakistan was termed by his side as bilateral that was certainly not. He held productive discussions with Pakistani officials, reviewing past developments and exploring conditions under which negotiations could proceed.
Iranian side said, Araqchi’s second visit to Pakistan has nothing to do with Iran’s nuclear issue. At the same time, Iran shared, Araqchi’s important agenda is to convey Iran’s conditions for ending the war to the Pakistani side which is acting as a mediator.
Issues such as imposing a new legal regime on the Strait of Hormuz, receiving compensation, ensuring no further military aggression against Iran by the warmongers and termination of the naval blockade against the country are among the issues raised by Araqchi.
OMAN VISIT : From Pakistan, Araghchi arrived Oman on what Iran says bilateral visit but it too was not. Oman has been close and friendly partner that had adopted positive positions during the US-Israeli war on Iran. Iran stresses the importance of expanding ties with neighbors, particularly in the Persian Gulf region, to better manage existing challenges and Araghchi’s visits are in the same connection.
Abbas Arghchi met Oman counterpart Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi who was mediating till 27 Feb at Geneva between US and Iran. Both FMs had a special photo with a boat behind symbolically conveying the message of jointly working on navigation in Strait of Hormuz.
In meeting with Sultan Oman, Arghchi shared , Iran and Oman, as two coastal states overseeing the Strait of Hormuz, must maintain close coordination, emphasizing that secure passage through the strait is a significant global issue directly tied to the interests of both countries.
There is substantial common ground between Tehran and Muscat, and agreements have been reached to continue consultations at the expert level.
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received Dr Abbas Araghchi at Al Barakah Palace. They consulted on the latest developments in the region, as well as mediation efforts and initiatives aimed at ending conflicts. Sultan was briefed on Iran’s perspectives on these developments.
Iran’s Foreign Minister listened to Sultan’s views on ways to advance these efforts in a manner that enhances prospects for sustainable political solutions and limits the impact of crises on the peoples of the region. His Majesty highlighted the importance of prioritising dialogue and diplomacy in addressing issues, in a way that contributes to consolidating the foundations of peace.
Discussions with Omani officials on safeguarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
In a message posted on his X account following his visit to Oman,“Important discussions on bilateral matters and regional developments. As only Hormuz littoral states, our focus included ways to ensure safe transit that is to benefit of all dear neighbors and the world,” Araqchi added.
“Our neighbors are our priority,” the Iranian foreign minister stated.
Iran and Saudi Arabia
In a telephone conversation on Sunday, Abbas Araqchi and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan exchanged views on current regional developments and diplomatic processes, with a focus on ceasefire-related issues. Araqchi outlined various aspects of the current situation in the region, particularly developments related to the ceasefire in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran. He also briefed the Saudi foreign minister on the latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives by Iran aimed at ending the US-Israeli imposed war against Iran and reducing tensions.
Egyptian and Turkish counterparts
In a phone call on Saturday night, Abbas Araqchi and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty exchanged views on issues related to diplomacy, a ceasefire in the US-Israeli war on Iran, and recent developments in the region.
In a separate call, Araqchi also spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, briefing him on the latest developments concerning the ceasefire and the current state of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in the region.
Qatari counterpart
In a telephone conversation on Sunday, Araqchi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani exchanged views on recent regional developments and current diplomatic processes. Araqchi outlined various dimensions of the current regional situation, particularly developments related to the ceasefire and the challenges facing its stabilization. He informed his Qatari counterpart about the latest initiatives and diplomatic efforts by the Islamic Republic of Iran aimed at ending the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran and reducing tensions.
The two sides emphasized the importance of a constructive role by regional countries in managing crises and stressed the continuation of consultations and diplomatic coordination to support peace initiatives and strengthen regional stability.
The Qatari foreign minister welcomed Iran’s diplomatic approach and expressed his country’s readiness to continue playing an active role in mediation efforts and facilitating dialogue aimed at ending the war imposed by the US and the Zionist regime on Iran.
Araqchi called for a constructive role by European countries
Araqchi and his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot held a telephone conversation on Sunday, discussing the latest developments related to the ceasefire in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Araqchi briefed the French minister on the latest situation and developments concerning the ceasefire and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the US-Israeli war imposed on Iran, emphasizing the importance of a constructive role by European countries in this process.
Barrot, for his part, reiterated France’s support for continuing the diplomatic approach and expressed hope that ongoing talks would lead to the establishment of peace in the region. The two sides also stressed the continuation of bilateral consultations as well as coordination with other regional parties.
Concludsion
After these meetings and interactions with all relevant parties and stakeholders, now Iran is standing more strong and more determined to assert her interests if any mediating effort by Pakistan brings the two sides on the table. President Trump is tired of the situation he himself initiated alongwith Israel. Lets see , President Putin plays some role in convincing President Trump to leave the arrogance and sort out the matter that otherwise further disturb Trump’s presidency and perfomrance both at internal and international level both.
The very first sign of giving in from Trump’s side will be lifting of US Blockade and second would be withdrawal of demand of permanent end of Iran’s nuclear program. Other matters can be solved in further negotiations if these two are resolved amicably.
