JUST IN: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Tells US to End Hostilities with Iran and Stop Making Demands

JUST IN: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has issued a sharp rebuke to the United States, demanding that Washington immediately end its military hostilities against Iran and cease issuing ultimatums or demands, calling the ongoing Operation Epic Fury “illegal aggression” that threatens global stability.

By Reflecto News Staff
April 3, 2026

MOSCOW – Speaking during a press briefing and in remarks carried by Russian state media, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the United States must “immediately cease all military actions against Iran” and stop making “unrealistic demands” that only prolong the conflict.

Lavrov described the US-Israeli campaign as “illegal aggression” and accused Washington of destabilizing the entire Middle East while ignoring diplomatic channels. He warned that continued hostilities risk a wider regional war and further disruption to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Points from Lavrov’s Statement

• Call to End Hostilities: Russia demands an immediate halt to US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, including the recent attacks on Tehran and industrial sites.
• Rejection of Demands: Lavrov criticized U.S. ultimatums regarding Iran’s missile program, nuclear activities, and the Strait of Hormuz, calling them “counterproductive and arrogant.”
• Support for Diplomacy: He urged a return to political dialogue and multilateral talks, implicitly backing efforts such as the UK-hosted meeting of around 35 countries focused on reopening the strait.
• Criticism of Selective Transit: While not fully endorsing Iran’s “toll booth” regime, Lavrov blamed U.S. military pressure for creating the conditions that led to current disruptions in the waterway.

Russia has consistently positioned itself as a supporter of Iran, providing diplomatic cover and criticizing Western actions since the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026.

Broader Context

Lavrov’s remarks come as:

• US-Israeli strikes continue, including major explosions reported in Tehran and damage to infrastructure such as the B1 Bridge in Karaj and Mobarakeh Steel Company (now fully shut down).
• Multiple U.S. aircraft incidents occurred today, including a downed F-15 (one crew member still missing), helicopters hit by Iranian fire during rescue missions, and other emergencies.
• President Trump has warned of further escalation, stating the U.S. military “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran” and naming bridges and power plants as potential next targets.
• Iran maintains its selective transit regime in the Strait of Hormuz, recently granting safe passage to South African vessels while banning supplies to U.S. bases.

China has similarly blamed US-Israeli operations as the root cause of Hormuz disruptions, while Germany has urged Beijing to push Iran toward negotiations.

Implications

Lavrov’s strong language reflects Russia’s alignment with Iran and its interest in higher global energy prices (benefiting Russian oil exports). It also adds to the growing international divide, with Russia and China pushing back against U.S. military actions while Western and Gulf nations seek ways to restore safe navigation in the strait.

The statement is likely to complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts and may encourage Iran to maintain its defiant posture.

Looking Ahead

As the White House national security team continues its meetings and President Trump signals further intensified operations, Russia’s intervention could influence the information war and diplomatic dynamics. Whether it leads to any tangible pressure for de-escalation or simply hardens positions remains to be seen.

Reflecto News will monitor any U.S. or Israeli responses, further statements from Lavrov, developments in the Strait of Hormuz, and the trajectory of Operation Epic Fury.

Related Coverage on Reflecto News:

• Major Explosion in Tehran Following US-Israeli Strikes
• Multiple U.S. Aircraft Incidents Today in Persian Gulf Region
• President Trump Warns Bridges and Power Plants Are Next Targets
• UK Hosts Meeting of 35 Countries on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
• China Blames US-Israeli Actions for Hormuz Disruptions
• Iran Grants South African Vessels Permission Through Strait of Hormuz

This report is based on statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the broader context of the 2026 US-Iran conflict.