Moscow/Tehran, April 14 (NationPress) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has underscored the critical importance of avoiding any new escalation of conflict during discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. Lavrov reiterated Russia's readiness to support initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.

As reported by TASS, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement where Lavrov emphasized the need to avert renewed hostilities, asserting that military actions cannot resolve the situation.

"Lavrov stressed the necessity of preventing a return to armed conflict, reasserted Russia's ongoing commitment to contribute to crisis resolution—which has no military solution—and recalled Russia's initiative for a Concept for Ensuring Security in the Persian Gulf, involving participation from all littoral states and support from external nations capable of positively influencing negotiations," the ministry's account of the phone call stated.

During their conversation, Araghchi updated Lavrov on the recent Iranian-American discussions that took place in Islamabad on April 11, voicing concerns regarding US activities in sensitive maritime areas and their potential wider repercussions.

According to Fars News, an Iranian state-linked agency, Araghchi cautioned that the US's actions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz might lead to serious consequences for both regional and global peace and stability.

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed that Moscow appreciated the ongoing commitment to diplomatic endeavors aimed at finding solutions that address the fundamental causes of the conflict and promote long-term stability in the region, considering the legitimate interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its neighbors.

Lavrov also conveyed his condolences to Araghchi regarding a recent loss in Iran's diplomatic community.

The Russian minister offered his "sincere condolences to Araghchi due to the tragic murder of the former head of Iran's Foreign Ministry and head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Policy, K. Kharrazi, following an airstrike."

In the meantime, Lavrov has arrived in China for a two-day official visit to discuss bilateral cooperation in key sectors and to address ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

Earlier on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that during his stay in China from April 14-15, Lavrov will engage in talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

"The two foreign ministers will cover a broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation issues, prospects for future contacts, and international collaboration, focusing on joint efforts within frameworks such as the UN, BRICS, SCO, G20, APEC, and other multilateral mechanisms and forums. A thorough exchange of views on various pressing topics and regional matters, including the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, is anticipated," the statement added.

This development follows Dmitry Peskov, the Russian presidential spokesperson, admitting on Monday that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could negatively affect international markets.

"It is highly probable that such actions will continue to adversely impact international markets," the Kremlin spokesperson was quoted as saying by TASS during a regular media briefing in Moscow.

When asked about US threats to block the Strait, he mentioned that many aspects remain unclear.

"Many details remain ambiguous and confusing, so I would refrain from making any substantial comments at this moment," Peskov remarked regarding the US's potential blockade of the strait.

On Sunday, the United States announced its intention to implement a sweeping maritime blockade of vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports starting April 13, escalating tensions after critical talks between Washington and Tehran failed to resolve key issues, including Iran's nuclear program.