Russia blames "US-Israeli aggression" for Iranian crisis

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov identifies "unprovoked US-Israeli aggression" as the primary cause of the current Iranian crisis.
• Russia calls for the removal of all obstacles in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure global maritime security.
• Moscow urges an immediate halt to the war in Iran and warns that Western "regime change" policies only deepen regional chaos.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday that any resolution to the ongoing conflict requires addressing the root cause: what he termed "unprovoked US-Israeli aggression" against Iran.

Speaking from Moscow, Lavrov argued that the current regional instability is a direct consequence of military actions and political pressure exerted by Washington and its allies.

The Foreign Minister emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

"The war in Iran must be stopped immediately, and a truce must be reached," Lavrov told reporters, adding that the international community cannot afford a prolonged conflict in such a strategically vital region.

Ensuring freedom of navigation

Addressing the global economic impact of the war, Lavrov stressed the importance of maritime stability. He stated that it is "essential for there to be no problems or obstacles" in the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia has maintained that the security of global energy corridors is a shared international responsibility.

Lavrov’s comments follow recent reports of selective passage for certain vessels, but Moscow is advocating for a broader de-escalation to prevent the waterway from becoming a permanent theater of military confrontation.

Criticism of Western intervention

Lavrov also took aim at the broader Western strategy in the Middle East and North Africa.

He warned that foreign intervention -whether through direct military force or attempts at "regime change"- serves only to complicate already volatile situations.

According to the Foreign Minister, these "external interferences" have historically led to long-term chaos rather than stability.

He concluded by reiterating Russia’s position that only through diplomatic dialogue and respect for national sovereignty can a lasting peace be established in the Gulf region.