U.S. President Donald Trump has said Iran can “call” if it wants to negotiate an end to the ongoing two-month conflict, as Tehran intensified diplomatic efforts by sending its foreign minister to Russia for discussions with Vladimir Putin.

Speaking during a briefing, Trump signalled openness to dialogue but maintained Washington’s position.“If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines,” he said.“They know what has to be in the agreement. It’s very simple: They cannot have a nuclear weapon; otherwise, there’s no reason to meet.

”Diplomatic momentum weakened over the weekend after Trump cancelled a planned visit to Islamabad by his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, citing concerns over the value of Iran.“Iran offered a lot, but not enough,” Trump said while speaking in Florida.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi travelled between Pakistan and Oman—key mediators in the crisis—before arriving in Russia on Monday, where he is expected to seek Moscow’s backing.

Iran’s envoy to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, said the visit was part of intensified diplomatic engagement.“Araqchi will meet Putin in continuation of the diplomatic jihad to advance the country’s interests and amid external threats,” Jalali said in a post on X.

“Iran and Russia are present in a united front in the campaign of the world’s totalitarian forces against independent and justice-seeking countries, as well as countries that seek a world free from unilateralism and Western domination.

”Although a ceasefire has halted full-scale fighting, no agreement has been reached to end the conflict, which began on February 28 following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths, disrupted global energy markets, and raised concerns over economic stability.

Oil prices rose while U.S. stock futures dipped in early Asian trading on Monday after negotiations stalled, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked. The route typically carries about a fifth of global oil supplies, giving Tehran significant leverage.

According to Axios, Iran has submitted a new proposal through Pakistani mediators focused on reopening the strait and ending the conflict, while postponing nuclear negotiations. However, the White House and State Department have not commented on the report.

Iran has long insisted on its right to enrich uranium for civilian use—a position rejected by Washington and its allies, who fear it could lead to nuclear weapons development.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s stance during a call with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.He said Iran would not enter “imposed negotiations” under threats or blockade, adding that the United States must first remove obstacles, including maritime restrictions.

Beyond the nuclear issue, divisions remain wide. Washington is seeking limits on Iran’s support for regional groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as restrictions on its ballistic missile programme. Tehran, in turn, is demanding sanctions relief and an end to Israeli military actions in the region.

Violence has also persisted elsewhere. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes killed 14 people and injured 37 on Sunday, according to the health ministry, as tensions continued despite ceasefire efforts.

With negotiations stalled and positions hardened, diplomatic engagement continues, even as both sides remain far apart on key issues.