Russia urges to keep Iran-US ceasefire, continue talks

AFP , Monday 20 Apr 2026

Moscow on Monday called for the US-Iran ceasefire to be maintained and for diplomatic efforts to continue, after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart.

Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting of the council of foreign ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Moscow. AFP

 

"The Russian side again emphasised the need to preserve the truce, which must be observed within the parameters initially agreed upon and announced by the Pakistani mediators," the foreign ministry said after the call between Lavrov and Iran's Abbas Araghchi.

"The importance was noted of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from spinning out of control and averting a relapse into armed confrontation," the ministry added.

It criticised Washington's "unlawful naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seizure of an Iranian container ship".

Moscow also said Iran had pledged to ensure the unhindered passage of any Russian vessels and cargo through the Strait.

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