ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to visit Tehran on Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed, as Moscow increasingly eyes opportunities to play a mediating role in the Middle East war. 

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that Lavrov’s visit “will take place within the framework of ongoing Tehran-Moscow consultations and to follow up on bilateral agreements, as well as regional and international developments,” according to a foreign ministry statement. 

Lavrov, meanwhile, said that Moscow’s efforts are “aimed at preventing the return of a large-scale war” in the Middle East, with talks between Tehran and Washington toward a lasting peace remaining stalled. 

Earlier in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan that Moscow was ready to mediate to resolve the war. 

Iran’s state IRNA news agency on Monday further praised Moscow for its mediation efforts.

“The quality of Russia’s efforts to contain the conflicts, along with bilateral relations, will be among the most important topics of discussion,” it said, labeling both countries as “true examples of eternal neighbors.” 

Russia’s foreign ministry said that Lavrov will discuss “ways to resolve the acute international crisis triggered by the unlawful aggression of the US and Israel against Iran” during his visit.  

Russia and Iran maintain a strategic partnership, with both countries ranking among the world’s heaviest sanctioned nations. Moscow and Tehran have continued to expand ties, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting Lavrov in late 2025 to sign a cooperation document spanning 2026 to 2028. 

Hostilities in and around the vital Strait of Hormuz have persisted despite an April ceasefire between the US and Iran that was followed by a memorandum of understanding in June. Washington has been blockading Iranian ports while Tehran claims control over the waterway.