Moscow: Russia would welcome the ceasefire between Iran and Israel announced earlier by US President Donald Trump, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, but expressed doubt about whether it would last. 'As for the announcements that have been coming out of Washington, Israel, and Tehran . it is very difficult for us to make any final conclusions and get a clear picture, because President Trump has announced that peace is forever and ever, there is an agreement,' Lavrov said in an address at the 11th Primakov Readings International Forum in Moscow.
According to Anadolu Agency, reports indicate that the Americans convinced Israel to agree to the ceasefire while Qatar played a similar role with regard to Iran. Lavrov mentioned that Moscow would welcome such a deal. However, he cautioned against making hasty conclusions based on fragmentary information, citing reports of ongoing exchanges between Israel and Iran. "But we are for peace," Lavrov added.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also commented on the ceasefire during a briefing with journalists, saying that such a deal is welcomed. He affirmed that if a ceasefire was indeed reached, it should be welcomed and expressed hope for its sustainability, noting that this has been Moscow's stance since the conflict began.
Peskov addressed criticism regarding Russia's support for Iran, emphasizing that Moscow has backed Tehran through its "clear position" on the escalation. He highlighted the uncertainty over the impact of Washington's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on the country's nuclear program's implementation. He also mentioned attempts by some to exploit the Middle Eastern situation to undermine the partnership between Moscow and Tehran, although he stopped short of providing specifics.
Trump announced late Monday that Israel and Iran had agreed to a "Complete" and "Total" ceasefire, ending "The 12 DAY War" that originated with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities on June 13. Iran had responded with missile attacks. Additionally, the US had bombed three key Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday, which led to a retaliatory attack by Tehran on a US airbase in Qatar the following evening.
The ceasefire took effect at 0400GMT Tuesday, with Trump urging both sides to uphold it. However, tensions persisted as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered military strikes on Tehran, accusing Iran of truce violations. Iran denied these accusations and vowed a resolute response to any new strikes.