Russia's Lavrov calls Iranian FM Araghchi, urges de-escalation and protection of civilians

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday, urging de-escalation in the conflict. Russia's Foreign Ministry said Lavrov 'confirmed a fundamental position in favour of de-escalating the situation and rejecting the use of force.' Lavrov also stressed the need to 'ensure the safety of the civilian population and civil infrastructure in all countries of the region.' Russia has not joined any condemnation of Iran's retaliatory strikes and has framed the conflict as a violation of international law triggered by US-Israeli aggression. The call signals that Russia is positioning itself as a potential diplomatic broker, though its relationship with Iran — forged through cooperation in Syria and weapons supplies during the Ukraine conflict — gives it limited credibility as a neutral mediator in Western capitals. Russia has thus far refrained from material support of Iran's military operations.