Russia’s Lavrov to discuss US war and regional security during Tehran visit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Tehran on Monday for his first visit to Iran since February 2025. He is scheduled to meet President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28 and efforts to end it. After meeting the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain, Gulf states urged Lavrov to press Tehran for serious dialogue and the restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Analyst Nikita Smagin said Moscow is seeking to maintain ties across the region and preserve its role as a mediator.