Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, on Monday said Washington’s “excessive demands” led to the collapse of recent peace negotiations in Pakistan, Iranian media reported.

Mr Araghchi made the remarks after arriving in Russia for a scheduled meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

According to Iranian reports, he said that although the previous round of negotiations had made progress, it ultimately failed to reach its goals because of the U.S. approach.

He also stressed that ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is “an important global issue”, as tensions between Tehran and Washington persist in the strategic waterway.

Mr Araghchi’s visit to Moscow is expected to focus on bilateral ties and regional security matters, including developments in the Middle East and the situation in the Gulf, Iranian officials said. 

(Xinhua/NAN)