MOSCOW: Russia called Monday for a “political and diplomatic” resolution to the Middle East war as US President Donald Trump said Washington had held talks with Tehran. Trump described the conversations as “very good and productive” and ordered a halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities.
The conflict began on February 28 following US-Israeli bombardment of Iran, leaving the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed. Trump had previously issued an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the strategic waterway, which handles about 20 percent of global oil shipments.
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In a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged an “immediate cessation of hostilities and a political settlement” that considers the legitimate interests of all parties, especially Iran. The Russian statement did not mention the alleged US-Iran talks.
Moscow, a close ally of Tehran, criticized US-Israeli strikes but has not offered military support. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that a political and diplomatic approach is essential to defuse the region’s escalating tensions and prevent further catastrophe.
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Russia also warned about the dangers to Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly the Bushehr plant, noting that strikes could have “extremely dangerous and potentially irreversible consequences.” Peskov stressed that attacks on nuclear infrastructure threaten regional and global security.