Lavrov: Russia backs Iran-'Israel' ceasefire, warns of fragile truce
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Russia urges a cautious approach to evaluating the US-brokered ceasefire, highlighting Qatar’s mediating role and the volatile aftermath of renewed military exchanges.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during a joint news conference with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono following their talks in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Tuesday that Moscow supports the ceasefire between Iran and "Israel" but warned that it is too early to assess the truce's durability.
“It is very difficult to make any final conclusions now and get a clear picture,” Lavrov said, delivering Russia’s first official comment on the ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Lavrov noted that reports indicate "the Americans convinced Israel to agree to a ceasefire and to establish an indefinite truce," while also acknowledging the mediating role played by Qatar, particularly in facilitating Tehran's involvement.
Despite welcoming the initiative, Lavrov cautioned against over-interpretation of the current situation. "After it was announced, there were reports of strikes, of an exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran. Therefore, let us not make any hasty conclusions based on fragmentary information," he warned.
Russia, which formalized a strategic partnership agreement with Iran in January, has condemned both US and Israeli military actions against Iran, especially against its nuclear facilities, describing them as "illegal and unprovoked."
Escalating rhetoric post-ceasefire
Tensions remain high following the recently announced ceasefire between Iran and the Israeli entity. Israeli media alleged that two missiles were fired from Iran shortly after the ceasefire came into effect. However, Iranian state television firmly rejected these claims, asserting that no such launches occurred and labeling the reports as unfounded.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also dismissed the allegations, stating that no evidence has been presented to suggest Iran intended to attack the Israeli entity.
Despite the absence of proof, Israeli War Minister Israel Katz instructed the IOF to “respond forcefully in the heart of Tehran.”
Meanwhile, the Iranian Armed Forces' Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters responded, reaffirming that the Iranian armed forces will not leave any aggression unanswered. The statement warned that the Israeli entity would “pay a heavy price” for its continued hostilities.
According to Khatam al-Anbia, the Israeli entity launched attacks on Iranian territory in three waves, extending until 9 am local time, in clear violation of the ceasefire.
The developments underscore the fragile state of the ceasefire and highlight the continued threat posed by Israeli aggression in the region.
Lavrov outlines Russia-US talks, NATO concerns, and trade shifts
In a separate context, Lavrov indicated that normalizing relations between Russia and the United States remains a difficult and gradual process, though he suggested it holds potential for preventing global crises.
He noted that Moscow had agreed to a proposal from the Trump administration to restart dialogue with Washington, and that discussions were already in progress. Lavrov acknowledged the complexities involved, citing the broader tensions in international affairs.
He also highlighted Russia's ongoing efforts to establish systems for logistics and financial transactions that operate independently of Western hegemony. These efforts, he explained, are a response to what Moscow perceives as the West's use of tariffs and financial infrastructure as tools of pressure.
Lavrov further stressed the need for Ukraine to remain neutral and outside of any military alliances, describing NATO as a hostile organization from Russia's perspective.
