Moscow has called for the US-Iran ceasefire to be maintained and for diplomatic efforts to continue, after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart, a close Russian ally.

After a call between Lavrov and Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, the foreign ministry said: “The Russian side again emphasised the need to preserve the truce, which must be observed within the parameters initially agreed upon and announced by the Pakistani mediators.

Russia is one of Iran’s few allies and has repeatedly condemned the United States for launching its bombing campaign at the end of February that triggered the war.

The Kremlin has profited from high oil prices triggered by the conflict but repeatedly called for Washington to back down and for a long-term diplomatic solution to be found.

Russia criticised what it called Washington’s “unlawful naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seizure of an Iranian container ship”.

Moscow also said Iran had pledged to do everything it could to ensure the unhindered passage of any Russian vessels and cargo through the Strait.

It comes as French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the Strait of Hormuz blockade as “a mistake on both sides”.

Speaking to journalists during a visit to Poland, Macron said America’s show of force in the strait is influencing Iran’s reluctance to sit at the negotiating table.

He added: “It is likely that, following the American decision to maintain a targeted blockade on Hormuz ... the Iranian authorities changed their initial position ... this is a mistake on both sides.”

Iran said it had yet to decide whether to attend a new round of peace negotiations with the United States, as Washington’s delegation prepared to depart for Pakistan.

The uncertainty over the talks on ending the war came as US President Donald Trump suggested he could resume attacks should the current temporary ceasefire lapse.

Since initial talks in Islamabad ended without a deal earlier this month, both sides have accused the other of breaching the truce.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said: “We have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard.

“The US is carrying out behaviours that do not in any way indicate seriousness in pursuing a diplomatic process.’

- AFP