Lavrov, Araghchi discuss Hormuz, Iran nuclear issue
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephone conversation on Friday with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, focusing on freedom of navigation and developments surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement, the ministry said the two top diplomats engaged in a detailed exchange of views on the prospects for a full cessation of hostilities and broader efforts to stabilise the military and political situation across the West Asia.
The discussion comes amid heightened regional tensions and increased scrutiny of maritime security, particularly in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route. Moscow reiterated its support for ongoing mediation initiatives aimed at de-escalating conflicts in the region. It also expressed readiness to contribute to political and diplomatic efforts designed to achieve sustainable agreements and ensure long-term peace and stability.
The issue of maritime access featured prominently in the talks.
The ministers addressed the passage of Russian vessels and cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, underlining the importance of maintaining uninterrupted shipping routes amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. The conversation also took place against the backdrop of recent warnings from the United States to international shipping firms over potential sanctions linked to payments associated with Iranian transit through the waterway, adding further complexity to regional maritime operations.
Both sides emphasised the need for continued dialogue and coordination to prevent further escalation and to safeguard critical international trade routes. The call reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Tehran as they navigate overlapping strategic interests in the West Asia.
No further details were disclosed regarding specific outcomes of the discussion, but both countries signalled their intent to maintain close communication on regional security and economic concerns.
Iran hangs 2 men convicted of spying
Beirut: Iran on Saturday said it hanged two men convicted of spying for Israel. The Iranian judiciary’s news outlet, Mizanonline, identified the men as Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bekrzadeh. It said they were hanged after the Supreme Court upheld death sentences. The news outlet said Karimpour was accused of sending “sensitive information” to an officer in Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, while Bekrzadeh was alleged to have sent details about government and religious leaders as well as information about Natanz. The central Iranian city is home to a nuclear enrichment facility bombed by Israel and the US last year. Iran has hanged more than a dozen people over alleged espionage and terrorist activities in recent weeks.
Rights groups say Iran routinely holds closed-door trials in which defendants are unable to challenge the accusations they face.
