Lavrov calls for a return to the Islamabad memorandum to resolve the Hormuz crisis

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for a return to the Memorandum of Understanding brokered by Pakistan between the United States and Iran, as a framework for resuming the diplomatic track and addressing the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

In his statements, during the strategic dialogue meeting between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain, Lavrov said that addressing the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz requires dealing with its underlying causes, stressing the importance of continuing dialogue and efforts aimed at preventing the region from returning to a large-scale war.

The Russian Foreign Minister's call comes in light of the faltering efforts to reach a final agreement between Washington and Tehran regarding ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping traffic.

The memorandum, brokered by Pakistan last June, established a framework for ending military operations and starting negotiations on a broader settlement.

The memorandum addressed the security of navigation in the Strait, the US sanctions imposed on Iran, and the nuclear file, in addition to other security arrangements. It stipulated working to reach a final agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of extending the period with the approval of both parties.

In a related context, Lavrov stressed the continuation of the close partnership between Moscow and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, noting that strengthening economic and political relations with the countries of the region represents a priority for Russian foreign policy.

He also called for developing a concept of collective security in the Gulf, based on direct dialogue between the countries overlooking the region and their neighbors, including Iraq and Jordan, with the possibility of enlisting the help of international parties to support these efforts.

The Russian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of continuing cooperation with partners within the framework of the OPEC+ alliance, in light of the link between regional stability and energy security and the global economy.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, Lavrov said that there is still a long way to go before reaching a solution that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, indicating that the political track continues to falter despite repeated international calls to settle the conflict.