Russian Foreign Minister Emphasizes Necessity of Restoring Regional and Hormuz Strait Situation to Pre-War Levels

Tehran, Oct 19 (KUNA) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday stressed the need for the situation in the region and the Strait of Hormuz to return to its pre-war state. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Tehran, Lavrov said, “It is very important that conditions in the region and the Strait of Hormuz return to what they were before the crisis and the war,” calling for the establishment of lasting security and peace in the region. He added that “mediators are working to end the current situation, and in Yemen, all parties should also return to dialogue.”

Lavrov also addressed the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasizing the need to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions and UN decisions concerning Palestine and Lebanon.

Responding to a question about the Russian initiative for collective security in the region, Lavrov said, “When we speak of collective security, we are referring to the Arab Gulf states and Iran.” He added, “We thank our Iranian friends for their support of the initiatives we have put forward and for cooperation on the Eurasia, Asia, and Middle East regions.”

He clarified that “the ultimate goal of this initiative is to build mutual trust on issues, security arrangements, and military matters, as well as the security of each state, alongside joint efforts to build confidence. In this context, we must take into account the participation of other countries in this initiative.” The Russian foreign minister said, “I am referring to the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Arab League states, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The objective should be to achieve security and stability and enhance cooperation among countries.”

Lavrov welcomed the Mecca Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, stating, “We welcomed the Mecca Agreement, and that initiative is supported by the Russian Federation because its goal is to enhance peace and strengthen cooperation among the countries of the region.” He noted that some countries have expressed interest in joining the agreement, adding, “If Iran, based on its own assessment, sees that participation in such a mechanism serves its interests, we will fully respect its decision.”

Lavrov, who began a visit to Tehran on Monday, had previously proposed the regional collective security initiative on Sunday during his participation in the ninth joint ministerial meeting of the Russia–Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue, held in Bahrain. (End) M.W. / R.J.