WANA (Apr 02) – Iran’s Foreign Minister held a phone conversation today with his Russian counterpart to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, spoke by phone on Thursday (April 2) with Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, as part of his ongoing consultations with several counterparts.

 

Iran’s Foreign Minister, in the phone call, emphasized the inherent right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to legitimate self-defense in order to protect its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity. He strongly condemned the aggressive attacks targeting the country’s infrastructure, including universities, bridges, and scientific centers.

 

Referring to the imposed insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi stated that the situation is a direct result of the military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran. He clarified: “At present, the passage of vessels belonging to countries not involved in military aggression against Iran continues through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister also condemned efforts by the United States and certain countries at the United Nations Security Council to exert pressure on Iran. He stressed that any provocative actions by aggressors and their supporters—including within the Security Council regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz—will only further complicate the situation. He added that issuing a resolution on the Strait of Hormuz would not resolve any problems, but would instead become part of the problem itself.

 

Araghchi further denounced the attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime on cultural and religious sites, including an Orthodox church in Tehran, describing them as a clear violation of international law. He called for a firm and explicit response from all countries and international organizations, particularly UNESCO, to these criminal acts.

 

The Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation also reiterated his country’s position condemning the continued military aggression against Iran, and briefed his Iranian counterpart on Moscow’s ongoing contacts and consultations with regional countries aimed at reducing tensions.

 

Lavrov emphasized the need for all parties to return to diplomacy and pursue a political resolution to the crisis. He also noted that Russia has put forward initiatives and proposals aimed at de-escalation and crisis management in the region.

 

Finally, the foreign ministers of Iran and Russia agreed to continue consultations and coordination across bilateral, regional, and international issues.