Russian, Iranian foreign ministers discuss Middle East crisis over phone

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the Middle East crisis in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Monday.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Araghchi informed Lavrov of Tehran's position regarding the ceasefire with the US and Israel.

"Abbas Araghchi informed Sergey Lavrov of the Islamic Republic’s position regarding ceasefire violations committed by the United States, including an illegal naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a seizure of an Iranian container ship," it said.

The Russian side reiterated the need to maintain the ceasefire, which must be observed within the parameters initially agreed upon and announced by Pakistani mediators, the ministry noted.

"The importance of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from escalating uncontrollably and avoiding a relapse into armed confrontation was emphasized," it said.

Russia also reaffirmed its readiness to facilitate the achievement of mutually acceptable agreements between Iran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, the ministry said.

"The Iranian side, for its part, reaffirmed its readiness to take all necessary steps to ensure unimpeded passage of Russian vessels and cargo through the aforementioned waterway," it added.

The phone call came amid renewed uncertainty over the US-Iran conflict, despite a two-week ceasefire that will expire on Wednesday.

Tensions escalated again over the weekend after US forces seized an Iranian cargo ship and Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, pushing oil prices higher and weighing on futures markets. Iran is also reviewing a US proposal.

Iran is also reviewing a US proposal presented during a visit by Pakistan Army chief Gen. Asim Munir, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, despite Tehran's reluctance to send a team to Islamabad for a second round of peace talks.