Lavrov Accuses U.S. and Israel of “Stymieing” Regional Normalization
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a scathing critique of Western Middle East policy on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, accusing the United States and Israel of intentionally sabotaging diplomatic ties between Iran and its neighbors. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Lavrov argued that the current military escalation is being used as a tool to prevent a burgeoning “Arab-Iranian security system” from taking root.
“Dividing the Region”
Lavrov’s remarks suggest that the U.S.-led Operation Epic Fury is driven less by security concerns and more by a desire to maintain a fractured regional landscape that favors Western interests.
- The Direct Quote: “What we are now observing… shows that the United States and Israel are trying to prevent this normalization between Iran and its neighbors and are even trying to ‘set’ the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council against Iran,” Lavrov stated.
- The “Oil and Gas” Factor: Building on his earlier comments today, the Foreign Minister linked these efforts to a broader “resource grab,” claiming that “regime change” plans in Iran and Venezuela are primarily aimed at gaining control over global energy supplies.
- Erosion of Rules: Lavrov warned that the world is witnessing the “erosion of international rules and principles” that have ensured stability for decades, comparing the current situation to a betrayal of past diplomatic agreements.
Disagreement over the “Iranian Threat”
Lavrov specifically referenced a two-hour video conference he held on Monday with foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), highlighting a fundamental disagreement on Iran’s intentions.
- The “Excuse” Theory: Lavrov noted that while some regional powers insist Iran was “simply waiting for an excuse” to attack them, Moscow “categorically disagrees” with this assessment.
- Unjustified Aggression: He called for an immediate end to what he described as “unjustified aggression” against Tehran, asserting that “Iran has not declared war, but wars have been waged against it.”
- Mediation Offer: The Russian minister reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to mediate and assist all parties in shifting the situation back to a political and diplomatic track.
The Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The Foreign Minister also addressed the global economic fallout from the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which has sent energy prices soaring and disrupted supply chains.
- Energy Crisis: Lavrov warned that Western countries are facing a “major crisis” due to these disruptions, and that the continued military response only risks spiraling the conflict into a wider, more catastrophic war.
- The “Islamabad Track”: While Moscow is not a direct participant in the “Islamabad Track” negotiations, Lavrov’s comments appear designed to bolster the non-Western diplomatic efforts currently underway in Pakistan.
| Key Diplomatic Position | Status (March 31, 2026) |
| Normalization Stance | Actively obstructed by U.S. and Israel |
| Primary Goal | Establishment of an Arab-Iranian security system |
| Conflict Rationale | Control over Middle Eastern oil and gas |
| Military Assessment | Current U.S./Israeli strikes are “unjustified” |
| Russia’s Role | Ready to mediate de-escalation |
A “Life-or-Death” Struggle
Concluding his remarks, Lavrov reiterated that the world is in the midst of a “restructuring of the world order”—one that currently looks more like a “breakdown.” He described the current geopolitical competition as a “fierce, life-or-death struggle” for leading positions in a new multipolar world, emphasizing that Russia has “no intention of running after” Western elites who continue to ignore international law.