On April 6, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had exchanged views with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the tense situation related to Iran, emphasizing that the two sides need to return to the path of negotiation.
In a statement about the phone call, Moscow expressed hope that de-escalation efforts will achieve substantial progress. Russia believes that this process will be more favorable if the US returns the situation to diplomatic orbit.
Russia also called on countries to avoid actions that could weaken the opportunity to promote political solutions, including moves at the United Nations Security Council.
Russia and Iran simultaneously asked the US to end attacks they believe targeting civilian infrastructure. Including the Bushehr nuclear power plant, where Russian technicians are working. According to Russian media, Moscow has begun evacuating 198 workers at this facility after a US and Israeli missile fell near the area.
Relations between Tehran and Moscow have been assessed as close in recent years. The US and some European countries have accused Iran of supporting Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. Conversely, Russia criticized the US and Israel for launching a "dangerous attack" on Iran, saying that this could push the Middle East into serious instability.
In related developments, US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum demanding that Iran reach an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz ahead of schedule, otherwise it will face the risk of infrastructure being attacked.
Russia believes that using such pressure may reduce the remaining opportunities for dialogue and calls on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid exacerbating the crisis.
