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- Return of the way: Russia participates in negotiations on deblocking the Strait of Hormuz
Return of the way: Russia participates in negotiations on deblocking the Strait of Hormuz
Russia has joined the discussion on the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov told Izvestia. Work is also underway on a joint Russian-Chinese draft resolution of the UN Security Council on the Iranian issue. But the diplomat linked further steps on it with the dynamics of negotiations between Tehran and Washington, which could resume in the next 24 hours. The situation is complemented by the emerging dialogue between Israel and Lebanon: Washington hopes that it will contribute to the disarmament of the pro-Iranian Shiite movement Hezbollah.
Russia is following the dynamics of negotiations between Iran and the United States
Russia is involved in discussing various options for ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov told Izvestia.
— All these issues should be resolved on the basis of international law, on the basis of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, taking into account its applicability or inapplicability. We know that it is not used in conditions of armed conflict. What specific modalities will be chosen [on the issue of the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz] remains to be determined," Alimov said.
It is important to determine the conditions for using this waterway in a situation where the parties to the conflict are taking various steps to restrict navigation. In particular, Alexander Alimov pointed to the fact that the United States has announced a blockade of the passage through the strait of ships belonging to the Iranian navy.
The situation in the region has already led to serious disruptions in logistics: the crews of many ships massively refuse to enter the strait due to threats. In these circumstances, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres initiated the creation of a special task force to ensure transit. However, this idea is viewed with skepticism in diplomatic circles.
— The UN Secretary-General has announced one initiative — the creation of a mechanism for monitoring the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative involves the creation of certain structures by the UN secretariat. It is still difficult for me to judge how much support this initiative will receive from the Gulf countries and Iran," said Alexander Alimov. — On the contrary, I've heard signals to the contrary. Therefore, the prospect of this venture has not been determined. It undoubtedly requires the consent of all the countries involved.
In parallel with these discussions, work continues on a joint Russian-Chinese draft resolution on the Iranian issue, which, according to Alimov, has already been submitted to the UN Security Council and is at the consultation stage. The diplomat added that Russia and China are open to making amendments to this document, and its future fate will be considered taking into account the dynamics of negotiations between Iran and the United States. Putting the draft resolution to a vote depends on their outcome.
— At the UN, our joint draft resolution with China is on the negotiating table, it has been officially submitted. We are following the dynamics of the overall negotiation process between Iran and the United States. One round took place. We hope that the negotiations have not ended there and will continue," the diplomat explained.
Recall that on April 7, the UN Security Council was unable to adopt a draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, which was prepared by Bahrain, due to the veto of Russia and China. 11 countries supported the document, while two more abstained.
As the Russian permanent representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, emphasized, Moscow could not support a project that creates a dangerous precedent for international law. According to the diplomat, the purpose of the document was "carte blanche to continue aggressive actions," which would jeopardize any prospects for resuming negotiations.
The United States and Iran are closer to extending the truce.
The United States and Iran, despite the failure of the first round of negotiations in Islamabad, do not rule out the continuation of the diplomatic process. According to Western media reports, the mediators have reached an agreement on extending the ceasefire regime for two weeks, which expires on April 22, and new contacts may take place in the near future. At the same time, US President Donald Trump stated that the initiative for dialogue had allegedly already come from the Iranian side. The second round of talks is expected to take place in Islamabad, probably at the end of next week, according to the Pakistani Geo TV channel.
Russia offered one of the possible compromise settlement options. She expressed her willingness to accept enriched uranium from Iranian nuclear facilities, but this initiative was rejected by the United States. This was stated by the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov in an interview with India Today.
The American line remains contradictory: amid statements about possible progress, Washington is increasing pressure on Tehran. This includes, in particular, the actual imposition of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the threat of a resumption of hostilities in the absence of concessions.
However, in practice, the situation around Hormuz looks less clear. Despite the harsh rhetoric, shipping through the key global artery has not been completely stopped. The AFP news agency reported that at least two Iranian vessels passed through the strait after the US announced the interception of traffic. In total, as of April 13, at least four vessels had passed through Hormuz, including the Chinese tanker Rich Starry, which is under US sanctions.
The Iranian media also confirm the continued movement: according to the Fars news agency, a cargo ship with food has entered the Persian Gulf and is heading to one of the country's key ports. At the same time, the United States clarifies that the restrictions are primarily aimed at Iranian ports, and not at completely blocking the strait, which partially explains the ongoing shipping.
Meanwhile, Iran links the prospects of negotiations with the United States to the situation in Lebanon. Tehran views the ongoing Israeli strikes as a factor undermining confidence in diplomatic efforts.
Consequences of Israeli strikes on Lebanon
— The negotiations between Iran and the United States are key: if they are successful, it will have a positive impact on the situation in Lebanon. If the dialogue fails, Lebanon risks becoming a "mailbox" through which Washington will send signals to Tehran, said Jamal Wakim, a professor at the Lebanese University.
At the same time, Israel declares its readiness for further escalation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed on April 15 that in the face of a possible resumption of hostilities with Iran, the country is "ready for any scenario." According to him, the negotiations on the Lebanese direction pursue two key goals — the disarmament of Hezbollah and the achievement of sustainable peace "through force."
He also said that Israeli forces continue to strike at the movement's positions and are one step away from crushing Bint Jbeil, one of Hezbollah's key strongholds in southern Lebanon.
On April 14, Washington hosted the first direct official talks between representatives of Lebanon and Israel in more than four decades, mediated by the United States. The State Department announced the agreement on the parameters of further dialogue, including the time and place of meetings.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by U.S. State Department Adviser Michael Needham and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, during a meeting with Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yehiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad
During the consultations, Israel insists on disarming the Hezbollah movement and dismantling its infrastructure. Hezbollah emphasizes that the issue of its fighters' possession of weapons is an internal matter of Lebanon, and it is not subject to discussion with external actors. Earlier, Mahmoud Komati, deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, told Izvestia that resistance would continue as long as "the occupation and attacks on Lebanese territory continue."
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