Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday accused the United States of increasing insecurity and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. He called for regional disputes to be resolved through diplomacy and urged neighbouring countries to develop a joint security arrangement without the involvement of foreign military forces.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tehran, Araghchi said the US and Israeli military campaign, along with the economic blockade, remained the main causes of instability in the region.

"The war imposed by the United States and the Zionist regime (Israel), combined with the economic blockade, constitutes the principal source of insecurity in our region," AFP quoted Araghchi as saying.

“We welcome any initiative that leads to security from within without the presence of foreign forces, and consider it the right move,” he added.

Araghchi’s remarks came as Russia stepped up its diplomatic engagement with Iran, seeking to help prevent a further escalation of the conflict.

Lavrov Visits Tehran to Discuss Regional and International Developments

Lavrov arrived in Tehran on Monday for his first visit since the West Asia war began. Moscow is seeking to position itself as a mediator as tensions between Iran and the United States remain unresolved.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Sunday that the Russian foreign minister’s visit would focus on "regional and international developments".

According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Lavrov was scheduled to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and hold discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Araghchi.

The veteran Russian diplomat has said Moscow’s efforts are "aimed at preventing the return of a large-scale war". However, diplomatic discussions between Tehran and Washington have remained stalled, limiting progress towards a broader settlement.

Putin Offers Russian Support for Mediation Efforts

Lavrov’s visit followed a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pezeshkian in early October. During the discussion, Putin said Moscow was ready to contribute to mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions.

Russia and Iran have maintained close political and strategic ties, with their military and economic cooperation expanding since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Both countries are among the most heavily sanctioned nations in the world. Their growing partnership has strengthened their cooperation as they face pressure from Western governments.

Moscow’s latest diplomatic initiative comes amid continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for global energy supplies.

Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Flashpoint

The West Asia war began in February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Although the sides reached a ceasefire in April and later agreed to a memorandum of understanding in June, hostilities in and around the Strait of Hormuz have continued.

Iran claims control over the strategic waterway and regularly targets vessels that pass through it without its authorisation. Under normal conditions, the strait carries around one-fifth of the world’s hydrocarbons, making it a critical route for international oil and gas shipments.

In response to Iran’s actions, Washington has maintained a naval counter-blockade targeting Iranian ports. The continued confrontation has added to concerns about maritime security and the potential disruption of global energy supplies.

The dispute over the strait remains a major obstacle to reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Russia Condemns US-Israeli Actions Against Iran

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the discussions during Lavrov’s visit were expected to focus on "ways to resolve the acute international crisis triggered by the unlawful aggression of the US and Israel against Iran".

The ministry also warned that the conflict had undermined stability and security well beyond the immediate region.

It said the war had dealt a blow to stability and security "not only in the near and Middle East, but also on a global scale".

As diplomatic efforts continue, Iran is calling for a regional security framework led by countries in the region, while Russia is seeking to support mediation and prevent the conflict from escalating into another large-scale war. However, continued tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the lack of progress in US-Iran talks remain significant challenges to achieving lasting stability.