Russian, Iranian foreign ministers say only diplomatic solution to conflict around Iran

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi held talks on Thursday, with both agreeing that a diplomatic resolution was the only path to resolve the Middle East tensions ignited by the US-Israeli conflict against Iran. The pair discussed various regional and international issues, with a focus on the Iran situation, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry. The meeting took place in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The ministers emphasized that there was no alternative to a diplomatic settlement of the crisis, which was prompted by the unlawful actions of the United States and Israel. Their meeting came after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a strategic cooperation partnership in 2025. This agreement aims to deepen bilateral ties and enhance defense cooperation, though it does not include a mutual defense clause. Both countries have shared military expertise and equipment.

Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to Putin earlier this month for Russia's stance on the Iran war and stated that together, Moscow and Tehran could withstand what he termed US "unilateralism." In an interview published on Thursday, Pezeshkian added that it was up to the US to determine when the Iran war would conclude, when asked if the conflict could be resolved by the end of the year.