Lavrov, Egyptian FM discuss Gulf tensions, Moscow offers mediation

2026-03-23 - 20:49

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone conversation Monday with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty to address escalating tensions in the Gulf region stemming from the US-Israeli military operation in Iran. The call, initiated by Cairo, highlighted growing international concern over the widening conflict. Moscow's mediation offer According to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement, Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to provide assistance in resolving Middle East tensions through peaceful means, taking into account the interests of all states in the region "without any double standards." The two diplomats underscored the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and called for intensified collective political and diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions. Bilateral cooperation discussed The conversation also touched on the development of Russian-Egyptian cooperation, including upcoming bilateral events. Egypt's engagement with Moscow reflects Cairo's active diplomatic outreach as regional powers seek to contain the fallout from the conflict, now in its fourth week. Regional crisis deepens The diplomatic push comes as the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, launched Feb. 28, has killed more than 1,300 people, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with sustained drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation. With no resolution in sight, international diplomatic efforts continue to seek a path toward de-escalation.