MOSCOW: Russia on Monday called for the United States and Iran to maintain the ceasefire and continue peace talks, as Pakistan intensified diplomatic efforts to end the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Russia’s foreign ministry said.
“The Russian side again emphasised the need to preserve the truce, which must be observed within the parameters initially agreed upon and announced by the Pakistani mediators,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement following the call.
The ministry added that both sides noted “the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from spinning out of control and averting a relapse into armed confrontation”.
Moscow also criticised what it described as Washington’s “unlawful naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seizure of an Iranian container ship”.
The Russian foreign ministry said Iran had pledged to ensure the unhindered passage of Russian vessels and cargo through the strategic waterway.
Pakistan intensifies diplomatic efforts
Meanwhile, Pakistan intensified high-level engagement with both Washington and Tehran to keep talks on track.
Islamabad, which brokered the initial ceasefire, is positioning itself as a facilitator for continued dialogue and a broader peace arrangement.
US President Donald Trump said a high-level US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to land in Islamabad within hours for the Iran talks.
Trump confirmed that the delegation includes Vice President Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner.
Trump indicated he was open to a direct meeting with Iranian leaders if progress is made.
“I have no problem meeting them,” he said. “If they want to meet, and we have some very capable people, but I have no problem meeting them.”
Second round of US-Iran talks
Pakistan is set to host a second round of high-stakes talks between the US and Iran this week.
The talks, scheduled in Islamabad, follow an initial round that kept diplomatic channels open amid ongoing tensions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to sustain dialogue between Washington and Tehran ahead of the expiry of the 14-day ceasefire.
The first round of talks helped establish rare direct channels between Washington and Tehran, laying the groundwork for continued engagement despite ongoing tensions.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also remained actively engaged, holding discussions with regional leaders and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to build support for the peace process.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasised that Pakistan’s objective goes beyond a temporary truce, aiming instead for a lasting and comprehensive resolution.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Tehran remained engaged in dialogue.
