MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday warned that any closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would have serious consequences for global trade and energy markets, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking alongside Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during a joint press conference in Moscow, Lavrov said security risks remain high because a US-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at easing hostilities has not been effectively implemented.
Lavrov noted that Moscow had welcomed the agreement and initially believed it could pave the way for a reduction in tensions. However, he said both Washington and Tehran now accuse each other of violating the deal while continuing missile exchanges, preventing meaningful progress toward regional stability.
The Russian foreign minister reiterated Moscow’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the waterway as a vital artery for global energy supplies.
He argued that unrestricted maritime traffic had existed before the latest escalation and stressed that renewed military confrontations have increased both security and economic risks across the region.
Lavrov also referred to warnings by Yemen’s Houthi movement that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could be closed if military operations against Iran continue. Such a move, he said, would disrupt international shipping and significantly impact global oil markets, with consequences extending beyond the energy sector.
The remarks come as tensions continue to rise despite a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding signed last month to reduce hostilities between the United States and Iran.
Russia-Azerbaijan Relations
During his visit, Lavrov also discussed bilateral ties with Bayramov, describing relations between Moscow and Baku as steadily strengthening under the strategic partnership established through the 2022 allied declaration signed by the two countries’ presidents.
He said both sides agreed to expand cooperation between their media organizations to encourage more balanced reporting and counter negative narratives surrounding bilateral relations.
Bayramov echoed the positive assessment, describing Russia and Azerbaijan as close partners with deep historical and cultural ties. He said recent discussions focused on implementing existing agreements, expanding cooperation in new sectors, and strengthening economic relations despite global economic challenges.
The Azerbaijani foreign minister acknowledged recent difficulties in bilateral ties but said both governments had successfully overcome those challenges and restored comprehensive cooperation.
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