Tehran, 20 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that relations between Iran and Russia have reached an unprecedented level, as Moscow seeks to mediate the ongoing Middle East conflict amid stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran. Araghchi made the remarks after hosting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to Iran on Monday, marking Lavrov’s first visit to the country since the outbreak of the conflict. In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said the two sides discussed a wide range of regional and international issues, including Europe, West Asia, Lebanon, Palestine, Ukraine and Yemen. He added that both countries also focused on expanding economic and nuclear cooperation. “Never in our history have Iran and Russia worked as closely as now,” Araghchi stated. Before his visit, Lavrov said Moscow’s diplomatic efforts were aimed at preventing a return to large-scale warfare, as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remained stalled. The visit followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent assurance to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Moscow was prepared to contribute to mediation efforts. Russia and Iran, both facing extensive international sanctions, have maintained close bilateral relations and continued cooperation across several strategic sectors. The Middle East conflict erupted in February following US-Israeli strikes against Iran. A ceasefire reached in April and a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran in June have failed to bring an end to hostilities in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims control over the strategically important waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passes under normal conditions. Tehran has also targeted vessels crossing the strait without its authorization, while Washington continues to maintain a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Ahead of Lavrov’s visit, the Russian Foreign Ministry said discussions would focus on possible ways to resolve what it described as an acute international crisis triggered by US and Israeli aggression against Iran. The ministry warned that the conflict had undermined stability and security not only in the Middle East but also across the wider international community.