New military action against Iran closes door to negotiations – Russian FM

The resumption of military strikes against Iran undermines prospects for resolving the conflict surrounding the Islamic Republic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference following talks with his Chadian counterpart Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul.

“Most importantly, this does not lead to a settlement. It closes the door that seemed to have been opened, at least slightly, by the memorandum you mentioned,” Lavrov said when asked about the recent renewal of strikes on Iran.

He added that Russia views the renewed attacks as a violation of the memorandum of understanding previously concluded between Tehran and Washington.

“It is regrettable because civilian infrastructure in Iran is suffering, as are civilian facilities in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This will not lead to anything positive,” the Russian foreign minister stressed.

The United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran on February 28, during which Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was among those killed in a series of airstrikes.

In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Subsequent talks on implementing the memorandum were held in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan.

A joint statement issued by Qatar and Pakistan after the first round of negotiations said the meeting between Iranian and US representatives took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere and achieved encouraging progress, including the establishment of a framework for further technical consultations.

However, the United States resumed large-scale strikes on Iran on July 8, accusing Tehran of violating provisions of the agreement related to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on July 13 that Tehran had never violated the memorandum signed with the United States and that full responsibility for its non-implementation rests with Washington.

By Jeyhun Aghazada