Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Heads to Iran Amid Regional War

MOSCOW: (News Desk) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was scheduled to arrive in Iran on Monday for his first visit since the outbreak of the Middle East war, as Moscow seeks to help prevent a renewed escalation of hostilities.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the visit on Sunday, saying the discussions would cover regional and international developments. Lavrov is expected to meet his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, amid stalled diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington.

Lavrov said Russia’s diplomatic efforts were aimed at preventing a return to large-scale warfare. The visit follows a statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin in early October that Moscow was prepared to contribute to mediation efforts during a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Russia and Iran, both heavily sanctioned by Western countries, have maintained close political, military and economic ties. Their cooperation has expanded since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The regional conflict began in February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Although a ceasefire was reached in April and a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran followed in June, tensions around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz have continued.

Iran claims control over the waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of global hydrocarbon supplies normally pass, and has targeted vessels crossing without its authorisation. The United States, meanwhile, has maintained a naval counter-blockade targeting Iranian ports.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the talks would focus on resolving what it described as an international crisis caused by unlawful US and Israeli aggression against Iran. The ministry warned that the conflict had undermined stability and security across the Middle East and beyond.

Lavrov’s visit comes as diplomatic efforts face significant challenges, with Moscow seeking a role in preventing further escalation and restoring regional stability.