Iran’s foreign minister: Russia, Iran have never before ‘worked as closely’ together

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Tuesday that Russia and Iran have never cooperated as closely as they do now, with Moscow mediating in the Middle East conflict. Araghchi hosted Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Monday, marking Lavrov's first visit since the war began. Lavrov emphasized Moscow's goal to prevent a return to large-scale war, as US-Iran talks remain stalled. The conflict started on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that Russia and Iran have never worked as closely as they do now, as Moscow seeks to mediate in the ongoing Middle East war. Araghchi hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Iran on Monday, Lavrov's first visit since the conflict began. Araghchi wrote on X that the talks covered Europe, West Asia, Lebanon, Palestine, Ukraine, Yemen, and the expansion of economic and nuclear cooperation. Lavrov said Moscow's efforts aim to prevent a return to large-scale war, with US-Iran talks stalled. The war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. A ceasefire in April and a US-Iran memorandum of understanding in June have not stopped fighting around the Strait of Hormuz. The Russian foreign ministry described the war as triggered by 'unlawful aggression' by the US and Israel. The article also reports that Russia is providing Iran with missiles and satellite imagery, citing unnamed Western officials and Ukrainian intelligence.