Russia, Iran weigh diplomatic path as war tensions escalate

Moscow — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi discussed prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Russia’s foreign ministry said on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said the talks focused on what it described as a “military-political crisis” triggered by U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran, and included an exchange of views on shifting the conflict toward a political and diplomatic track grounded in international law.

The Russian side also briefed Iran on a recent shipment of humanitarian aid, according to the statement. Moscow and Tehran have previously signed a strategic partnership agreement spanning political, economic, military and energy cooperation, though it does not include a mutual defense clause.

At a Group of Seven meeting, European foreign ministers raised concerns with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Russia may be assisting Iran in targeting U.S. forces in the region.

Two Western security sources and a regional official close to Tehran told Reuters that Russia had provided satellite imagery and technical support to enhance Iranian drone capabilities, drawing on systems used by Moscow in its conflict in Ukraine.

Russia has deployed Iranian-designed drones in its war in Ukraine, underscoring growing defense cooperation between the two countries.

The latest diplomatic engagement comes amid intensifying hostilities across the Middle East and mounting international calls to contain the conflict through negotiations.