Lavrov Holds Tehran Talks as Russia Weighs Diplomatic Role

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Tehran on Monday, October 19, for talks with Iranian officials as Moscow sought to contribute to efforts to prevent further escalation in the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The discussions’ outcome was not reported. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the visit involved consultations on bilateral agreements and regional and international developments. He said Pakistan and Qatar remained the mediators between Iran and the United States, distinguishing those efforts from Tehran’s consultations with Moscow. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the agenda included bilateral cooperation, international issues and developments in the Gulf, as well as possible ways to resolve the crisis stemming from the US-Israeli war on Iran. Lavrov was also expected to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and brief Iranian officials on his recent meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council representatives in Bahrain. The visit has prompted speculation that Moscow could carry messages between Washington and Tehran or take a larger role in diplomacy. No message or mediation...