Russia, Egypt call for immediate Gaza ceasefire
Russia and Egypt have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, urging a return to political dialogue amid escalating tensions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that the US must stop hostilities rather than simply demand Iran unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Lavrov also accused unnamed actors of trying to sabotage negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear issue.
Russia and Egypt have issued a unified call for an immediate cessation of hostilities across the Middle East, emphasizing the urgent need to return to political and diplomatic channels. The joint appeal came from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following high-level talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, in Moscow on Friday.
Lavrov told a joint press conference that their discussions centered on the regional crisis triggered by what he characterized as a coordinated US-Israeli military operation. He criticized Washington's approach, arguing that the United States should not merely demand that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz but must instead halt all aggressive actions to restore normal navigation through the strategic waterway.
Accusations of sabotage regarding Iran talks
The Russian diplomat also suggested that certain unidentified parties are actively working to derail diplomatic progress on the Iranian dossier. “The adoption of a resolution that does not even mention that Iran has become a victim of aggression will antagonize the authorities in Tehran,” Lavrov warned. He added that this indicates a deliberate effort “to undermine the negotiating prospects that had begun to emerge or were beginning to take shape.”
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Putin’s grain pledge and regional tensions
Abdelatty’s visit to Moscow included a separate meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. During that encounter, Putin proposed the creation of grain and energy hubs in Egypt and confirmed he had ordered increased Russian grain deliveries to the North African nation. Both sides reiterated their commitment to cooperation on energy security and food stability amid the turbulent regional landscape.
The diplomatic push follows US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Feb. 28, which prompted Tehran to retaliate with drone and missile attacks. Those strikes targeted Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting American military assets, resulting in casualties, infrastructure damage, and widespread disruption to global markets and aviation routes.
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