During separate conversations held on the sidelines of United Nations sessions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian discussed the urgent need to halt hostilities in the Gaza Strip at the earliest opportunity. They also voiced concern about the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, underscoring the fragile security environment in the region. The exchange was detailed in a message from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which outlined their shared interest in stabilizing the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts.
The document describes a thorough exchange of views on a range of current issues affecting the Middle East. Both ministers advocated for a prompt ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the importance of creating safe channels for delivering humanitarian aid to those in need. They also highlighted the seriousness of the Red Sea situation, noting that recent actions by the United States and some of its allies in relation to Yemen have contributed to heightened tensions and instability in those waters. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to addressing these issues through diplomatic channels and international cooperation.
In a further expression of mutual regard, the parties reaffirmed their full and mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a principle they described as essential for any effective regional dialogue and lasting peace. This mutual respect was presented as a cornerstone for ongoing discussions and potential collaboration on broader regional concerns.
reports indicated that on January 22, Lavrov traveled to New York to participate in United Nations Security Council meetings focused on the Middle East and Ukraine. His journey from Moscow to the United States reportedly took about twelve hours and forty-five minutes, with a route that traversed several countries. The travel details were noted in the briefing, emphasizing the logistical aspects of high-level diplomacy and the efforts to maintain regular contact among international actors during a period of heightened volatility.
Earlier, there were assertions from the United States accusing Iran of preparing for attacks by the Houthis against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The statement reflected ongoing tensions between regional and global powers over security in key shipping lanes and the broader strategic implications of Houthi activity in the region. The ministers’ discussions, in this context, highlighted the importance of de-escalation, international law, and the protection of civilian life and commerce as essential elements of any responsible policy approach.