Abbas Araghchi slammed the United States and Israel for creating the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday, marking Lavrov's first trip to Tehran since the Middle East war erupted.
The Strait carries roughly one‑fifth of the world's hydrocarbons, and Iran claims full control, routinely targeting vessels that cross without its permission. Washington has responded with a naval counter‑blockade of Iranian ports, tightening an economic siege that the Iranian diplomat said fuels regional tension.
Lavrov’s visit follows Vladimir Putin’s October warning that Moscow is ready to mediate; the Russian foreign ministry said the talks would focus on ways to resolve the crisis triggered by the U.S. and Israel’s unlawful aggression. Both Russia and Iran remain among the most heavily sanctioned states worldwide.
Araghchi added that Moscow’s efforts aim to prevent a large‑scale war. The next key development will be Lavrov’s meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian, where the two powers are expected to hash out a joint mediation strategy for the Hormuz dispute.