Russia on Monday called for a U.S.-Iranian ceasefire to be maintained and diplomatic efforts to continue, after Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
"The Russian side once again stressed the need to maintain the ceasefire, which must be adhered to within the parameters originally agreed upon and announced by the Pakistani mediator," the Russian Foreign Ministry said, citing Al Arabiya from AFP (21/4).
Russia is one of Iran's few allies and has repeatedly slammed the United States for launching a bombing campaign in late February that triggered the war.
The Kremlin has benefited from high oil prices triggered by the conflict, but has repeatedly called on Washington to back down and for a long-term diplomatic solution to be found.
"The importance of continued diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from getting out of control and avoiding the recurrence of armed confrontation has been noted," the ministry added.
Russia criticized what it called "Washington's illegal naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seizure of Iranian container ships."
Moscow also said Iran had promised to do everything it could to ensure the smooth passage of Russian ships and cargo through the strait.
It is known that the US-Israel attacked Tehran and a number of other cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a number of senior officials on February 28.
Iran retaliated by carrying out attacks on Israeli territory and a number of US-related facilities in neighboring countries, causing hesitation in the Middle East.
The Mullah State strictly limits traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas pass every day.
Tensions eased following an April 8 ceasefire. The first direct talks between the two countries, held on April 11 in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended in a stalemate.
Ahead of the two-week ceasefire that ends on Wednesday, Pakistan continues to work on the second round of negotiations.
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