Russia condemns strikes on Iran, offers mediation as tensions escalate

Russia has called for an immediate halt to what it called "US and Israeli aggression" against Iran, warning against the use of military force targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Speaking at a general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Moscow considers such actions unacceptable and stressed the need to protect civilians regardless of their location, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

He stated that Russia advocates the protection of the civilian population wherever they may be — in Iran or in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Lavrov also expressed concern over efforts by the United States and Israel to undermine Iran’s improving relations with Arab states in the region. He said that, in Russia’s view, Washington and its allies are attempting to hinder the normalisation process and to set Gulf states against Tehran.

Highlighting Russia’s diplomatic efforts, Lavrov noted that Moscow is prepared to act as a mediator to de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue. He said that the previous day he had held a video conference with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council, attended by the organisation’s Secretary-General and the Jordanian Foreign Minister, during which the participants exchanged detailed assessments over the course of more than two hours.

Lavrov also criticised the US approach to international law, pointing to what he described as inconsistencies in Washington’s position. He referred to remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran would constitute a serious violation of international rules, contrasting them with earlier comments by President Donald Trump indicating a lack of interest in international law. Lavrov characterised this as a double standard.

By Sabina Mammadli