Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said the ongoing US–Israel confrontation with Iran is having wider geopolitical consequences, including a negative impact on stability in the Caspian Sea region.
Speaking after talks with his Kazakh counterpart in Astana, Lavrov stressed that the Caspian Sea should remain a “zone of peace and cooperation.” He also described recent attacks on Iranian coastal infrastructure, including the port city of Bandar Anzali, as unacceptable, saying such facilities are vital for regional trade and logistics.
Lavrov said Russia and Kazakhstan support a political solution to escalating tensions in the Middle East and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. He also pointed to continued deadlock in efforts to establish a Palestinian state, saying the issue remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Gulf region have intensified further. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of being responsible for insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the waterway a symbol of Iranian sovereignty and resistance.
Iranian officials have repeatedly defended restrictions in the strategic shipping route, while warning against foreign military and political pressure.
In parallel developments, reports suggest Washington is seeking to form an international coalition aimed at restoring shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains heavily disrupted amid ongoing standoff with Tehran. The proposed initiative reportedly focuses on maritime coordination, intelligence sharing, and sanctions enforcement.
Iranian lawmakers and military advisors, however, have rejected pressure tactics, warning that continued blockades or restrictions would fail and could lead to further confrontation. A senior Iranian military adviser also cautioned that any prolonged conflict could expand beyond regional waters and escalate into broader hostilities.
