Russia Urges Iran and US to Return to Islamabad Memorandum

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called on Iran and the United States to return to the Islamabad memorandum as regional tensions continue to raise concerns about a wider conflict.

Lavrov made the remarks during a meeting involving Gulf Cooperation Council member states in Bahrain, where discussions focused on regional security and tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Gulf countries called on Russia to use its influence in relations with Iran, while participants in the Manama discussions stressed the importance of ensuring respect for the sovereignty of regional states.

Lavrov backed efforts to prevent the crisis from developing into a broader regional war and stressed the need to address the underlying causes of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia has also proposed establishing a broader collective security framework in the Gulf region, presenting regional cooperation as a possible mechanism for reducing tensions.

The discussions come as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of international concern because of its importance to global energy shipments and maritime trade.

Lavrov’s call for Iran and the United States to return to the Islamabad memorandum reflects Moscow’s stated preference for diplomatic engagement and regional mechanisms to address the crisis.

The talks in Bahrain also highlighted the growing diplomatic involvement of Gulf states and Russia as regional countries seek ways to prevent further escalation.