The US-Iran standoff over the strategic Strait of Hormuz is continuing despite intensified diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and other regional countries to ease tensions, sources said on Monday.

Amid the hardening positions, an Iranian lawmaker said Tehran would not allow a return to pre-war conditions in the vital waterway.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is on a three-nation tour to discuss the regional situation and explore ways to revive negotiations with the United States, arrived in Russia on Monday for talks with senior officials, including President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking about his recent visits to Islamabad and Oman, Araghchi described them as part of bilateral consultations.

Referring to Pakistan’s role as a mediator in US-Iran contacts, he said it was important to assess the latest developments with Pakistani officials.

“Previous negotiations, despite some progress, did not achieve their goals due to American approaches, their excessive demands, and their wrong policies. Therefore, we needed to hold consultations with our friends in Pakistan to review the latest developments,” he said.

He added that Iran’s position in the talks remains critical.

“We must secure the rights of the Iranian people after 40 days of resistance and protect the country’s interests,” he said.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said Iranian leaders “can come to us, or they can call us” if they want to resume talks, after cancelling a planned visit by his envoys to Pakistan.

Both Washington and Tehran have kept their respective conditions for ending the conflict undisclosed.

However, initial proposals exchanged by the two sides suggest significant differences remain, with both far apart on key issues.