On April 20, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

“Abbas Araghchi informed Sergey Lavrov of the Islamic Republic’s position regarding ceasefire violations committed by the United States, including an illegal naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a seizure of an Iranian container ship,” it reads.

According to the foreign ministry, the Russian side reiterated the need to maintain the ceasefire which must be observed within the parameters initially agreed upon and announced by Pakistani mediators. 

“The importance of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from escalating uncontrollably and avoiding a relapse into armed confrontation was emphasised.

Russia also reaffirmed its readiness to facilitate the achievement of mutually acceptable agreements between Iran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

The Iranian side, for its part, reaffirmed its readiness to take all necessary steps to ensure unimpeded passage of Russian vessels and cargo through the aforementioned waterway,” it reads.