Lavrov discusses US war and regional security during Tehran visit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Tehran on Monday and met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. They discussed the US-Israeli war against Iran, regional developments and efforts to end the conflict.

It was Lavrov’s first visit to Iran since February 2025. He later met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who said Moscow and Tehran shared views on a world order based on mutual respect.

Tehran calls for diplomacy

Araghchi linked insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz to US and Israeli military action against Iran. He said regional problems had no military solution and that Iran was focusing on diplomacy.

Lavrov said Russia remained committed to its strategic partnership agreement with Iran, which took effect on October 2. He also said Russian specialists would gradually return to the Bushehr nuclear plant after leaving during the war.

Gulf states seek pressure on Tehran

Before traveling to Iran, Lavrov visited Bahrain for a strategic dialogue session between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The six member states urged Moscow to use its influence with Tehran to promote serious talks and restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been severely disrupted by attacks on commercial vessels.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said member states had faced more than 7,000 Iranian missiles and drones since the war began. In a closing statement, the countries called for Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, along with its support for regional armed groups, to be included in future negotiations.

Lavrov called for a regional collective-security architecture involving countries in the region, Russia and China. He also urged Iraq and Jordan, which have been hit by Iranian strikes, to take part.

Moscow balances regional ties

Analyst Nikita Smagin said Lavrov’s nearly simultaneous visits to Gulf monarchies and Iran were intended to show that Moscow wanted working relations with all sides and to preserve its role as a mediator.

Smagin said Russia had limited leverage over both Iran and the United States. Higher oil prices and restrictions on Iranian oil exports to China may benefit Moscow, but further escalation would create unpredictable risks.

The United States has also issued sanctions waivers for Russia in an effort to limit fuel-price increases linked to the war against Iran. US media, citing intelligence reports, said Russia and China were providing military support to Iran, but US President Donald Trump denied that claim.