TEHRAN, 19 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Tehran on Monday for his first visit since the outbreak of the war between Iran and the United States, with meetings scheduled with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to media reports, Lavrov travelled to Tehran after meeting foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Bahrain on Sunday. The visit is aimed at discussing bilateral relations, rising regional tensions and diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the talks would also cover regional and international developments, along with the implementation of agreements between Moscow and Tehran. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the two sides would discuss joint projects in trade, energy, investment and transportation. Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Pezeshkian that Moscow was ready to contribute to mediation efforts aimed at ending the war. Lavrov’s visit is being viewed as part of Russia’s efforts to strengthen its diplomatic role in the region and support initiatives to reduce tensions. However, no immediate breakthrough towards a ceasefire or de-escalation has been announced. During Sunday’s meeting in Bahrain, Gulf countries urged Russia to use its influence over Iran to help halt attacks in the region and encourage compliance with United Nations resolutions. The talks in Tehran are expected to focus on diplomatic coordination and regional security amid continuing uncertainty over efforts to end the conflict.