Iran’s Foreign Minister Briefs Russian FM Lavrov on Interim Deal With U.S.

June 17, 2026 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Kremlin.ru; Interkomitet.ru Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefed his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov by phone on the framework agreement aimed at ending the war with the United States, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. Lavrov expressed support for the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, which is expected to be signed in Switzerland on Friday. The agreement “is intended to formalize an end to the conflict in the Middle East and pave the way for negotiations on a comprehensive agreement between Iran and the United States,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Lavrov praised the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar, and reaffirmed Moscow’s own readiness to help resolve the conflict. He also called on Israel and “all parties to the armed conflict” to comply with the memorandum. According to Iranian media reports, Lavrov and Araghchi highlighted the need for international backing of the memorandum, including from the UN Security Council. “The U.S. bears responsibility for ensuring the proper implementation of the agreement’s provisions,” Araghchi was quoted as saying. He added that the agreement includes a “complete cessation of attacks against Lebanon.” Read more about: Foreign Ministry , Lavrov , Iran Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia's Lavrov Urges De-Escalation in Call With Iranian FM Lavrov also stressed the need to "ensure the safety of the civilian population and civil infrastructure in all countries of the region." 1 Min read News Analysis As Putin’s Allies Are Threatened, He Meets the Moment with Silence Analysts say his silence reflects Russia’s focus on the war in Ukraine and hesitancy to provoke the U.S. — but it risks eroding trust in Moscow. 4 Min read Russia's Lavrov to Visit Iran for Talks Monday The talks come amid tensions over the Middle East and unresolved disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 1 Min read All Eyes On Munich As Russia Feels Out New U.S. Administration 10 years after Putin's controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference, Russia is playing it cool. No major Russian initiatives are expected this...