US-Iran Peace Talks Stall as Tehran's Foreign Minister Meets Putin in Moscow

Peace talks aimed at ending the two-month US-Iran war have stalled, with President Trump announcing that US negotiators will no longer travel abroad and instead conduct discussions by telephone. The war began on February 28, 2026, with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, and has since involved actions such as Iran's firing on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump stated that Iran could initiate contact if it wishes to negotiate, emphasizing that the US holds a strong position. The conflict approaches the 60-day mark under the War Powers Resolution, prompting discussions in Congress about potential authorization for military force.

Araghchi's itinerary included visits to Oman and Pakistan as mediators worked to sustain negotiations. He left Pakistan late Saturday but returned before continuing to Russia, according to Iranian state media and other reports. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry reported a phone discussion between its foreign minister and Araghchi on regional tensions.

Separately, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed support for Russia's actions in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, though no direct link to the Iran conflict was specified.

“If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. Al Jazeera noted higher oil prices amid the stalled negotiations. The Trump administration authorized the release of millions of barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, with Europe emerging as a key buyer to address high energy prices. Food inflation in the US accelerated, with average prices for food and beverage companies rising 7.9% year-over-year in March 2026, the largest jump in at least 12 months. Specific increases included 102% for tomatoes, 90% for vegetables, and 88% for diesel, attributed to higher fuel costs from the Middle East crisis. Benzinga reported that the full impact on fertilizer and plastics prices has yet to be felt. The BBC stated that higher prices could persist for eight months following the war, with officials monitoring stock levels and supply chains. Renewable energy saw gains in 2025, but the conflict has upended global fuel markets.”

Trump canceled the trip of special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, citing Iranian infighting and the US's advantageous position. Earlier, the White House had announced their planned departure for Saturday talks. In Congress, some Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski, are pushing for an authorization for the use of military force to provide guardrails on the conflict rather than ending it.

Democrats have repeatedly forced votes on war powers resolutions, which have failed, but continue to press for congressional oversight. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a resolution requiring withdrawal after 60 days without authorization. Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet described the Trump administration's Pentagon as a golden opportunity for growth, citing expanded contracts amid the war.

The company reported positioning for more resources in its first-quarter 2026 earnings call.

The Trump administration has applied sanctions on Russia and Iran, with a noted haphazard approach influenced by oil prices. China’s response to the stalled talks was discussed by experts, though no specific actions were detailed. Pressure is mounting on congressional Republicans to address the war's legal hurdles as it nears the War Powers Resolution deadline.

Analysts note waning support for an open-ended conflict among some GOP members.

“Lockheed Martin’s CEO has called the Trump administration a “golden opportunity” for the company as it expands its contracting work for the federal government amid the conflict in the Middle East." — The Guardian, April 2026 North Korea opened a memorial for its troops killed in Russia's Ukraine war, and reaffirmed support, highlighting alliances that could indirectly relate to Middle East tensions.”