MOSCOW, Friday, April 10, 2026 (WNP): The Foreign Ministry of Russia on Friday said a “window of opportunity” is emerging to resolve the complex situation in the Persian Gulf, expressing support for the upcoming negotiations between the United States and Iran set to begin in Islamabad.
In an official statement, the ministry noted that a majority of countries are backing diplomatic efforts and have pinned their hopes on the success of the talks being facilitated by Pakistan.
However, it voiced concern that certain forces were impeding progress toward peace by creating obstacles, cautioning against attempts to distort the sequence of events surrounding recent tensions, particularly in relation to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement stressed that the waterway had remained operational without disruption until late February and warned against attributing responsibility in a manner that could complicate peace efforts.
Highlighting the need to address the root causes of the conflict, Russia called for a complete cessation of hostilities, including ongoing military actions affecting countries of the Arabian Peninsula and escalating tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
It also urged an immediate halt to missile and air strikes on Lebanon, emphasizing that continued violence risks undermining the fragile prospects for peace.
Reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy, Russia advocated resolving disputes through political dialogue and underscored its readiness to work closely with international partners to stabilize the Middle East.
The ministry called on all participants in the Islamabad Talks to act responsibly and avoid any steps that could jeopardize the opportunity for a peaceful resolution.
It also reiterated the relevance of Russia’s longstanding proposal for a comprehensive security framework in the Gulf region, involving dialogue among all littoral states, including Arab countries and Iran, with the support of constructive external actors to ensure a balanced and sustainable regional order.
