Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Top Russian diplomat says potential closure of Bab el-Mandeb Strait will harm global oil market

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, on June 16, 2026. [Mustafa Hatipoğlu – Anadolu Agency]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said that the potential closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would harm international trade, particularly the global oil market, Anadolu reports.

Responding to a question on the situation in the Middle East and its risks for global security during a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Moscow, Lavrov said that Russia had “high hopes” and supported the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran.

“Both sides actively praised the document, and at first it seemed that everything would proceed more or less smoothly, but these predictions have not come to pass,” Lavrov said, expressing that both sides accuse each other of violations and missile exchanges; therefore, “security risks remain” in the region.

Lavrov said that Russia has been calling for a swift ceasefire and a return “to the point where the Strait of Hormuz was completely free, functioning without any problems, without any charges” in its contacts with all parties involved.

“And everything we’re seeing now, with our American colleagues calling for the resumption of free navigation, basically all of this existed before the US and Israeli aggression began. Well, we have to deal with what we have,” Lavrov further said.

Aside from security risks, Lavrov also noted the presence of economic risks, based on the role of the Strait of Hormuz as a “key artery.”

“Moreover, the Houthis have stated that if military action against Iran continues, they could close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which borders the Arabian Peninsula on its western shore. That would likely spell trouble for global trade, particularly for oil, but not only oil,” he added.

Regional tensions have escalated over the Strait of Hormuz as the US and Iran continue exchanging attacks despite a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding signed last month to end the conflict and reach a lasting peace agreement.

READ: Iran conflict raises financial pressure on European airlines amid higher fuel costs

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.

Continue ReadingTop Russian diplomat says potential closure of Bab el-Mandeb Strait will harm global oil market

Russia says renewed strikes against Iran violate memorandum, undermine nuclear settlement efforts

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, on June 16, 2026. [Mustafa Hatipoğlu – Anadolu Agency]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that renewed military strikes against Iran undermine efforts to resolve the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a joint news conference after talks with Chadian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul in Moscow, Lavrov said the resumption of military action against Iran violated the memorandum signed between Tehran and Washington last month.

The agreement mediated by Pakistan aimed at ending the war that began in February permanently, as well as hold negotiations over the nuclear program. But the US and Iran have exchanged renewed strikes over the past days, and have claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil and gas shipping that Tehran blocked after US-Israeli strikes.

“The most important thing is that this does not lead to a settlement. It closes the door that, it seemed, had been opened by the memorandum,” he said.

“We view this as a violation of the memorandum. It is regrettable because civilian infrastructure in Iran and civilian facilities in the Gulf countries are suffering. This leads nowhere good.”

Turning to the situation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, Lavrov said Russia was working to counter “threats posed by Ukraine to freedom of navigation.”

“President Vladimir Putin is working to ensure that all this is stopped,” Lavrov said when asked about reported attacks on vessels in the region.

READ: Iran condemns UK designation of IRGC as ‘terror group’

The Russian foreign minister accused Kyiv of carrying out attacks aimed solely at causing damage.

“This is no longer even piracy. Pirates at least rob and take something for themselves. Here it is neither for themselves nor for anyone else — simply to inflict damage and spread fear. It is pure terrorism,” he said.

He said Ukraine cooperates with everyone willing, including “African extremists seeking to overthrow legitimate governments” and other groups in an effort to harm Russia.

Lavrov said Turkish media had reported new attacks by Ukrainian sea drones against Turkish ships and tankers transporting Turkish cargo, adding that the Blue Stream pipeline supplying gas to Türkiye had also been subjected to repeated “terrorist attacks.”

The minister eassured that Russia would continue supplying food to African countries despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. “We will continue to fulfill all our obligations on food supplies to our African friends, both under commercial contracts and through humanitarian assistance, in accordance with their wishes, as we have done and continue to do,” he said.

READ: US forces strike Iranian naval base with sea drones for first time: CENTCOM

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Genocide denying former UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government's support for Israel's Gaza genocide and the UK government and military's active participation in genocide.
Genocide denying UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government’s support for Israel’s Gaza genocide and the UK government and military’s active participation in genocide.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingRussia says renewed strikes against Iran violate memorandum, undermine nuclear settlement efforts

Russian, Egyptian foreign ministers support immediate ceasefire in Mideast

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty (L) and Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov (R) shake hands during a joint press conference following talks in Moscow, Russia on April 03, 2026. [Sefa Karacan – Anadolu Agency]

Russia and Egypt support an immediate ceasefire and a return to political and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a joint news conference following a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, Lavrov said the talks focused on the regional crisis following what he described as a US-Israeli joint military operation.

He said the US should not simply demand that Iran unblock the Strait of Hormuz but instead end hostilities to restore functioning of the strait.

Lavrov also said that “someone” appears intent on “undermining” negotiations on the Iranian issue.

READ: Turkish president tells Putin Ankara opposes attacks on Iran, warns of Black Sea instability

“The adoption of a resolution that does not even mention that Iran has become a victim of aggression will antagonize the authorities in Tehran. This means that someone wants to undermine the negotiating prospects that had begun to emerge or were beginning to take shape,” he said.

On Thursday, Abdelatty met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During their talks, Putin proposed considering the establishment of grain and energy hubs in Egypt and said he had ordered increased grain deliveries to the country.

Both sides highlighted cooperation on energy and food security while also discussing regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.

READ: US fighter jet shot down by Iran: Report

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Palestinians barred from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque due to restrictions imposed by Israeli forces citing Iran’s retaliatory attacks perform Friday prayers on the streets surrounding the mosque in Jerusalem on April 03, 2026. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says "Wish someone would lock him up".
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says “Wish someone would lock him up”.

Continue ReadingRussian, Egyptian foreign ministers support immediate ceasefire in Mideast