In a telephone conversation on Thursday, Araqchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the latest regional and international developments in light of the continued US and Israeli aggression against Iran.

Araqchi stressed Iran’s inherent right to legitimate self-defense to protect its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity, strongly condemning the aggressive attacks on the country’s infrastructure, including universities, bridges, and scientific centers.

Referring to the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz, he said it had been imposed as a result of US and Israeli military aggression against Iran. Araqchi noted that, at present, vessels belonging to countries not involved in the aggression are allowed to transit the strait in coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces.

The Iranian foreign minister also denounced efforts by the United States and some other countries at the UN Security Council to exert pressure on Iran, warning that any provocative action by aggressors and their supporters, including moves related to the Strait of Hormuz, would only complicate the situation. He added that issuing a Security Council resolution on the Hormuz Strait would not solve any problems and would instead become part of the problem.

Araqchi further condemned US and Israeli attacks on cultural sites, including an Orthodox church in Tehran, describing them as a clear violation of international regulations and calling for a firm and explicit response from all countries and international bodies, particularly UNESCO.

Lavrov, for his part, reaffirmed Russia’s position condemning the continued military aggression against Iran and briefed his Iranian counterpart on Moscow’s ongoing contacts and consultations with regional countries aimed at reducing tensions.

He emphasized the need for all parties to return to diplomacy and a political resolution of the crisis, noting that Russia has put forward initiatives and proposals to help de-escalate tensions and manage the situation in the region.

The two foreign ministers also agreed to continue consultations and coordination on bilateral, regional, and international issues.

The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.

The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.