Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday that Russia closely follows developments in the Middle East and welcomes any agreements to reduce tensions, especially between Iran and the Israeli occupation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Lavrov emphasized that any de-escalation cannot be assessed without examining the realities on the ground, where friction between Iran and the Israeli occupation continues. He highlighted the presence of contradictory reports regarding a ceasefire, with some suggesting that the United States intervened to urge the Israeli occupation to stand down.
Lavrov noted that Qatar played a role with Iran, but the ongoing exchanges of strikes raise questions about each side's commitment to halting hostilities, necessitating careful monitoring. He stated that Russia is prepared to assist in resolving the crisis but will not impose itself as a mediator, underscoring the preference for diplomatic solutions rooted in mutual understanding. Lavrov expressed skepticism about self-defense claims, citing a lack of evidence for any Iranian plans to attack Israel.
On the topic of international relations, Lavrov mentioned that Russia and the United States remain distant from discussions on strategic stability. He recalled Russia's acceptance of a Trump-era offer to restart dialogue without preconditions, but current international tensions make such progress unlikely. Lavrov also criticized European countries, arguing that their ideological stances hinder constructive dialogue. He claimed that the EU has diminished its global influence due to indirect support for U.S. and Israeli military actions, particularly against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Lavrov concluded by reiterating President Putin's commitment to maintaining open and balanced dialogue with any nation based on mutual respect and shared interests to ensure global security and stability.