Russia accuses US, Israel of blocking Iran normalization with neighbors

Russia on Tuesday accused the United States and Israel of actively working to undermine efforts to normalize relations between Iran and its regional neighbors. Speaking at a meeting of the Russian Council on International Affairs in Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Washington and Tel Aviv are attempting to “set” Gulf Cooperation Council members against Tehran, preventing diplomatic rapprochement.

Lavrov points to contradictory US stance

Lavrov also took aim at US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s characterization of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a “gross violation of international law,” noting that just two days earlier, President Donald Trump had publicly stated he was “not interested in international law.” The Russian minister described the current conflicts as part of a broader struggle for dominance in a rapidly shifting global order.

Russia condemns strikes on civilians, offers mediation

The foreign minister said Moscow rejects claims from some Gulf states that Iran was seeking a pretext to attack them, calling such assessments unfounded. He reiterated Russia’s condemnation of military action against civilians and civilian infrastructure, whether in Iran or Gulf nations, and called for an immediate end to US-Israeli aggression. Lavrov added that Moscow stands ready to assist in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict.

World order ‘restructuring’ resembles a breakdown

Describing the current global landscape, Lavrov said the world is undergoing a restructuring toward a multipolar system, though he warned that the transition currently resembles “a breakdown” more than a stable transformation. Regarding relations with the West, he said Moscow is enduring its most severe crisis with Western capitals but remains open to dialogue—on its own terms. “We will certainly not run after anyone,” he stressed, adding that the door is open for those willing to engage without preconditions.