Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the U.S. and Israel of launching an unprovoked military campaign against Iran during his visit to Tehran, where he met with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional tensions. Lavrov’s trip, his first to Iran since February 2025, coincided with heightened hostilities following the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. Araghchi accused the U.S. and Israel of causing insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz through ‘military aggression,’ while Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s 20-year strategic partnership with Iran, signed on October 2. Lavrov also stated, “I am confident that Iran’s cause, like Russia’s, is a just cause,” during a joint press conference with Araghchi.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran would not accept “imposing its will and demands on other nations through force and pressure,” citing U.S.-Israel strikes that targeted Iranian infrastructure, leadership, and nuclear scientists. Lavrov pledged Russia’s support for diplomatic solutions, urging regional states to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by attacks on commercial vessels. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) had previously urged Russia to use its influence with Iran to “press for serious dialogue.”
Russian Support for Iran’s Diplomatic Efforts
Lavrov expressed backing for the June Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the U.S., which collapsed, as a framework for reducing tensions. He also called for the restoration of pre-conflict conditions in the Persian Gulf, including free movement of vessels and guarantees against renewed military action. Iran has sought a return to the MoU and a bilateral deal with Oman to manage territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz, which is approaching a key deadline on November 3. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s commitment to economic ties with Iran, stating the country would not abandon agreements in the investment and trade sectors despite challenges. He also emphasized Russia’s role in preventing attempts to justify U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran at the United Nations, while providing humanitarian aid such as medicines and food shipments.
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Trump’s Remarks and Regional Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously criticized Russia for not “doing very little to help” Iran, warned of “soon finish[ing] the job” with Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi responded that “we have unfinished jobs too.” Meanwhile, the GCC reported that member states had faced over 7,000 Iranian missiles and drones since the war began. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s commitment to economic ties with Iran, stating the country would not abandon agreements in the investment and trade sectors despite challenges.
Iran and Russia, both under U.S. sanctions, have expanded political and economic relations to counter Western restrictions. Lavrov’s visit followed a stop in Bahrain, where he participated in a strategic dialogue with the GCC to address regional security concerns.
Iran’s Digital and Military Threats
Iran’s hardliners warned of potential attacks on regional digital infrastructure, including undersea cables, data centers, and artificial intelligence (AI) facilities. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, announced the creation of the “Persian Gulf Data Authority,” urging governments and firms to avoid supporting AI or data companies aiding “invasions or killing children.” Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated that such infrastructure could become targets if war with the U.S. and Israel resumed. He claimed that damaging cables could disrupt over 80% of commercial, banking, and military communications, though this estimate lacks independent verification. Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of the hardline Kayhan newspaper, endorsed these threats, arguing that targeting cables could undermine U.S. technological competition with China. The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency also supported attacks on AI centers, claiming they could weaken U.S. technological dominance.
Russia-Iran Strategic Alignment
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran would not accept foreign pressure, citing U.S.-Israel strikes that “defy all legal and moral standards.” He emphasized Iran’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue, stating, “Iran has no fundamental dispute with other countries of the West Asia region.” Lavrov highlighted Russia-Iran alignment on global issues, stressing the need for diplomatic talks and leveraging existing capabilities to bolster peace and security. Lavrov’s visit followed a stop in Bahrain, where he participated in a strategic dialogue with the GCC to address regional security concerns.
At the meeting, Araghchi noted that Iran’s policy focuses on diplomacy, stating, “Regional problems have no military solution.” Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support for Iran’s diplomatic efforts, including restoring pre-conflict conditions in the Persian Gulf. The visit demonstrated the deepening Russia-Iran partnership amid ongoing U.S.-led pressure and regional instability.
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