Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the latest tensions between Israel and Iran during a phone call with his Iranian Counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Saturday, according to Al-Arabiya.
Lavrov stressed Russia’s condemnation of Israel’s use of force against Iran and its strikes on Tehran’s nuclear projects. He also expressed Moscow’s readiness to help de-escalate the situation in the Middle East. Russia is prepared to continue to work to resolve issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, according to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Moreover, Lavrov sent his condolences to Araghchi for the Iranians killed in the strikes.
On June 13, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran under the name of Operation Rising Lion. The military campaign targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists. As a response, Iran launched a retaliatory wave of missiles against Israel and targeted Tel Aviv.
US and Iranian officials were set to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment program in Oman on Sunday. However, the talks seemed to be deadlocked.
On Thursday, Trump raised the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran stating that it “could very well happen.” At the same time, he stressed his hopes for a peaceful resolution.
“My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran,” he posted on social media around 5 p.m. Eastern time. “They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon.”
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