Lavrov, Araghchi discuss Iran nuclear program and Hormuz passage
Synopsis
Russia and Iran are deepening diplomatic coordination on two fronts simultaneously — Iran's nuclear programme and Moscow's own maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz. The back-to-back contacts, including a rare Putin–Araghchi sit-down in St. Petersburg, suggest both sides are aligning positions ahead of a potentially pivotal moment in US–Iran nuclear negotiations.
Key Takeaways
Sergei Lavrov and Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a phone call on 2 May covering Iran's nuclear programme and freedom of navigation.
Russia raised the issue of Russian vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the call.
Moscow reaffirmed support for mediation efforts and a political-diplomatic process for Middle East peace .
On 27 April , President Putin met Araghchi in St.
Petersburg , pledging to develop strategic Russia–Iran relations.
Putin disclosed he had received a message from Iran's Supreme Leader , without revealing its contents.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on 2 May, exchanging views on freedom of navigation, the passage of Russian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and issues surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key Developments from the Call
The two ministers continued what the ministry described as a thorough exchange of views on prospects for a full cessation of hostilities and the stabilisation of the military and political situation in the Middle East. Russia reaffirmed its support for ongoing mediation efforts and its readiness to back a political and diplomatic process aimed at establishing long-term peace in the region, the ministry said in a news release on Friday.
Notably, the discussion on the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world's oil passes — signals Moscow's growing concern over the security of its own commercial and strategic maritime access amid heightened regional tensions.
Putin–Araghchi Meeting in St. Petersburg
The phone call follows an in-person meeting on 27 April, when Russian President Vladimir Putin received Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in St. Petersburg. The Russian delegation at that meeting included Foreign Minister Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, and Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
The Iranian side was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali.
What Putin Said
During the St. Petersburg talks, Putin stated that Moscow intends to continue developing strategic relations with Iran and expressed willingness to help secure peace in the Middle East at an early date, according to Russian state media RIA Novosti. He also conveyed hope that the Iranian people would pass through what he called the current period of trials.
Point of View
Which Western governments have linked to the Ukraine war. That contradiction is unlikely to go unnoticed in Washington or Brussels as US–Iran nuclear talks continue.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Lavrov and Araghchi discuss in their phone call?
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed Iran's nuclear programme, freedom of navigation, and the passage of Russian vessels and cargo through the Strait of Hormuz on 2 May, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Why is Russia concerned about the Strait of Hormuz?
Russia raised the issue of its vessels' passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, amid heightened regional tensions in the Middle East. Securing unimpeded access is important for Russian commercial and strategic maritime interests.
What happened at the Putin–Araghchi meeting in St. Petersburg?
On 27 April, President Vladimir Putin met Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in St. Petersburg, where he pledged to continue developing strategic Russia–Iran relations and expressed willingness to help achieve Middle East peace. Putin also disclosed he had received a message from Iran's Supreme Leader.
What is Russia's position on Iran's nuclear programme?
Russia has reaffirmed its support for ongoing mediation efforts and its readiness to back a political and diplomatic process aimed at sustainable agreements for long-term peace, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Russia was also a signatory to the original 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal.
Who attended the St. Petersburg meeting between Putin and Araghchi?
The Russian side included Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, and Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate. Iran was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali.
