Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that Tehran and Moscow have never worked as closely as they do now, after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Tehran the previous day. Araghchi said the discussions covered Lebanon, Palestine, Ukraine and Yemen, along with expanded economic and nuclear cooperation.
Lavrov’s visit followed meetings in Bahrain with Gulf Cooperation Council officials. Russia said the talks in Tehran focused on strengthening its strategic partnership with Iran, coordinating over the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, the South Caucasus and the Caspian region, and Moscow’s readiness to help resolve the conflict surrounding Iran. The public statements did not specify military or intelligence assistance.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said separately that discussions between the United States and Iran remain active, although neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly confirmed direct negotiations. Qatar said mediators have continued meetings and exchanged messages, with the aim of narrowing differences and restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomatic effort faces obstacles, including the wider conflict and disputes over regional security, while Qatar and Pakistan continue supporting mediation efforts.