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Iran turned to Russia on Monday, April 27, the 20th day of the ceasefire with Washington, as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed for talks with Vladimir Putin while broader peace efforts showed no meaningful progress.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Araghchi left Pakistan at the head of a diplomatic delegation after consultations in Islamabad, continuing Tehran’s outreach to regional and international partners as negotiations to end the conflict remain deadlocked.

US pressure remains in place

US Central Command said American forces were continuing restrictions on Iranian ports, aimed at preventing vessels from entering or leaving.

It added that 38 ships had been instructed to turn back and return to port.

Oil jumps as talks stall

Oil prices rose sharply after attempts to revive peace talks over the Iran war failed to gain momentum, while the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed.

Brent crude climbed as much as 2.5 percent to USD 107.97 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate traded near USD 96.

Markets have been shaken by continued disruption in the Middle East, with concerns growing over tighter supplies and wider economic fallout.

Lebanon ceasefire faces strain

In Lebanon, Hezbollah warned against involving Lebanese state institutions in the wider conflict.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said one soldier was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon on Sunday despite a separate ceasefire that has been in place since mid-April.

The soldier was identified as Idan Fooks, 19, while several others were reported injured.

Israel has continued strikes in southern Lebanon, saying it retains the right to act against planned or imminent threats under the terms of the truce.