Why Russia’s Lavrov Will Discuss US War and Regional Security During Tehran Visit
Lavrov’s regional meetings
Lavrov is scheduled to hold talks with senior Iranian officials in Tehran on the US war and efforts to bring it to an end. A day earlier, he took part in a Russia-GCC strategic dialogue in Bahrain.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said member countries had been targeted by more than 7,000 Iranian missiles and drones since the war began. Bahrain was among the countries heavily hit.
Moscow’s diplomatic approach
Analyst Nikita Smagin said the closely timed visits to Gulf states and Iran show Moscow seeking to preserve ties across the region. He described Russia’s approach as treating those relationships on broadly equal terms.
Speaking to GCC ministers in Manama, Lavrov warned that the region was again near a full-scale war. He said Russia wanted to help build a regional system for collective security.
Tensions and competing interests
Lavrov backed a June memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States as a possible basis for easing tensions, although the agreement later collapsed. US media, citing intelligence reports, said Russia and China were giving Iran satellite imagery for targeting and weapons components.
Washington has issued sanctions waivers for Russia in an effort to ease fuel prices pushed higher by the war. Smagin said reduced Iranian oil supplies have left China buying Russian oil at higher prices, while Russia is expected to deepen its ties with Tehran through Caspian Sea trade and limited military cooperation. Iranian and US strikes over control of the Strait of Hormuz have continued as the November 3 US midterm elections approach.
Key points
- Lavrov is due to discuss the US war with senior Iranian officials in Tehran.
- GCC chief Jasem Al-Budaiwi cited more than 7,000 Iranian missiles and drones targeting member states.
- Lavrov called for a regional collective security framework and supported a collapsed Iran-US agreement as a way to reduce tensions.
- Strikes over control of the Strait of Hormuz continue as US midterm elections approach.