Brussels: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan have jointly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran, urging a swift return to diplomatic negotiations. This appeal was made during a phone conversation on Saturday, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency,

The ministers emphasized the critical importance of maintaining safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which they identified as crucial to the global economy, as stated in a ministry release. They also discussed the potential for expanding cooperation in trade, economic, educational, and sports sectors, affirming their dedication to close coordination on both bilateral and international matters.

Regional tensions have heightened since February following a joint offensive by the US and Israel against Iran, leading to missile and drone retaliations by Tehran targeting Gulf countries with US military bases. A memorandum of understanding was signed by Iran and the US, with Pakistan's mediation, last month to end hostilities and work towards a lasting peace agreement. However, tensions have recently flared again over the Strait of Hormuz, with both nations engaging in strikes.