Russia has signaled tentative support for the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, yet cautioned that this fragile pause may not endure. On June 24, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters that Moscow welcomes what U.S. President Trump heralded a day earlier as a “complete and total ceasefire,” though he warned it’s too soon to celebrate. Lavrov underscored that after Trump’s announcement—reportedly brokered by U.S. diplomacy and Qatari facilitation—there were still reports of strikes, suggesting the pause might already be fractured.
Moscow’s reaction is significant. Russia sealed a strategic partnership with Tehran earlier this year, and has consistently criticized what it deems unlawful strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iranian targets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed that Russia condemned the attacks, calling them “unjustified,” and welcomed this ceasefire, though he too echoed Lavrov in saying that whether it sticks remains uncertain.
Russia occupies a complex position. While Beijing maintains strong ties to Iran through energy and trade, Moscow shares strategic and diplomatic interests that bind it closely to Tehran. The partnership, formalised in January, has already led to Russian criticism of Western strikes on Iranian soil . Lavrov’s public backing of the ceasefire—and Russia’s offer to assist Iran if needed —reflects both political alignment and a cautious optimism that diplomacy may prevail.
Still, Russia is pragmatic. Sergei Lavrov stressed the need for more time to assess whether this pause holds, noting that skirmishes continued even after declarations of a truce. Peskov echoed the message, saying both sides must prove their commitment before calling the ceasefire credible .
The broader picture remains volatile. Iran reportedly fired missiles at Israel and a U.S. base in Qatar soon after the ceasefire announcement, while Israel vowed to strike Iranian targets if the pause was breached. This ongoing tit-for-tat raises serious doubts about whether trust can be built in such a high-stakes environment.
Russia’s involvement—covering both diplomatic encouragement and readiness to aid Iran—adds both weight and complexity to the situation. It places Moscow as a key international stakeholder whose voice could influence outcomes. For now, though, the region stands on uneasy ground, and Sergei Lavrov’s cautionary stance may be one of the most realistic reminders: until both sides truly commit, this ceasefire could be nothing more than a temporary lull before the next round of conflict.
