Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in St. Petersburg on Monday for talks with President Vladimir Putin, seeking "necessary coordination" as negotiations between Tehran and Washington to end their conflict appear stalled. Araghchi blamed the United States for the breakdown in talks that have killed thousands and roiled the global economy.

Russia faces a delicate balancing act. While a key ally of Iran, Moscow has provided intelligence including satellite imagery of American warships to Tehran and warned that Russian-linked facilities in Iran have been attacked at least four times. Putin hopes Trump will press Ukraine to accept a peace deal favorable to Russia, making direct entanglement in the Iran conflict undesirable.

Oil prices rose Monday on concerns about the stalled talks. Iran has blocked most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit route for global oil and gas supplies, prompting the Trump administration to blockade Iranian ports. Russia has used its UN veto to provide diplomatic cover for Iran while avoiding actions that could escalate the conflict.