Russia calls US naval blockade of Iran unlawful, urges continued talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called the United States’ naval blockade of Iran and its recent seizure of an Iranian cargo ship unlawful, while calling for continued talks between Iran and the US to avoid a return to military confrontation.
In a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Monday, Lavrov said that Russia emphasizes the need for a Pakistani-mediated ceasefire to be maintained and for diplomatic efforts to continue.
Iran and the US held an intensive round of negotiations in Pakistan on April 11-12 to reach an agreement that could allow a permanent end to the US-Israeli aggression, which began on February 28.
The US is seeking a second round of talks with Iran in Islamabad, with President Donald Trump saying a high-ranking delegation was on route to the Pakistani capital. Iran, however, has said no decision has been made on whether to participate in the talks.
During the call, Araghchi briefed his Russian counterpart on “persistent and repeated ceasefire violations by the United States,” according to a readout from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The Iranian minister specifically condemned “illegal and provocative actions” against Iranian ports and vessels, including an attack on an Iranian-flagged merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.
“The US’s unlawful behavior and the contradictory positions of its leaders are incompatible with their claims of seeking diplomacy,” Araghchi said. He added that Iran is closely monitoring US actions and will take “appropriate decisions to protect its national interests and security.”
Lavrov said that Russia wants the diplomatic process between Iran and the US to continue to avoid a return to military confrontation that could affect the entire region, especially the Persian Gulf countries.
“The importance was noted of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from spinning out of control and averting a relapse into armed confrontation,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement about the call.
Russia was among the first countries that condemned the US-Israeli aggression on Iran and has continued to support Tehran in its legitimate defense against the aggression.
Iran has largely spared Russian ships from restrictions it has imposed on transit via the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the Persian Gulf which is responsible for a fifth of global oil supply.
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