Iran’s Foreign Minister Heads to Russia as Trump Says ‘Call Us’ to Negotiate
On April 27, 2026, the Iranian diplomatic situation took a significant turn. Following the sudden cancellation of U.S. diplomatic envoy trips to Pakistan, Iran’s foreign minister made an urgent trip to Russia seeking diplomatic support, while President Donald Trump publicly stated that if Iran wants to negotiate, “they can just call us.”
Diplomatic Itinerary Changes
According to Reuters, the United States had previously planned to send envoys to Pakistan to mediate the escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. However, the trip was abruptly canceled at the last minute, throwing the already fragile diplomatic negotiation process back into uncertainty.
Iran’s foreign minister subsequently made a brief return visit to Pakistan before immediately departing for Moscow. This itinerary is being interpreted as Iran’s attempt to seek Russia’s support and mediation in the ongoing diplomatic dispute.
Trump’s ‘Phone Negotiation’ Proposal
In response to the situation, Trump stated that negotiations between the U.S. and Iran do not require complicated arrangements, saying “if they want to talk, they can call us.” This statement has been widely interpreted as the U.S. taking a harder stance on the negotiation terms.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s remarks reflect his administration’s consistent approach to Iran policy — namely, that the U.S. holds the dominant position in any negotiations and will not easily lower the threshold for engagement.
Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts
According to CNBC, despite the cancellation of the U.S. envoy trip, Pakistan continues its efforts to salvage the peace talks. Pakistani government officials stated they will continue to play the role of intermediary, pushing both sides to return to the negotiating table.
During the Iranian foreign minister’s brief stay in Pakistan, emergency consultations were held with senior Pakistani officials. Both sides discussed the current diplomatic situation and possible next steps.
Regional Implications
This diplomatic standoff has profound implications for the security situation in the Middle East. The tension between Iran and the United States has long been a major factor in regional instability. Analysts note that if diplomatic negotiations remain stalled, the risk of regional conflict will increase significantly.
Russia’s role in this matter has also drawn considerable attention. As Iran’s traditional ally, Moscow’s involvement could complicate the situation further, but it may also provide a new avenue for breaking the deadlock.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed concern over the current diplomatic situation. The UN Secretary-General has called on both sides to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue. The European Union has also issued a statement expressing willingness to provide mediation under appropriate conditions.
As of now, Iran has not made an official response to Trump’s “phone negotiation” proposal.