This handout picture taken and released by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Oct 23, 2023 shows Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) meeting with his Iran's counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian in Tehran. (Photo by Handout / RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP)

TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday exchanged views on the Red Sea situation amid escalating tensions across the region.

In a phone call, the two ministers also discussed the latest developments of the conflict in the Gaza Strip and issues related to bilateral relations, including the finalization of a treaty on comprehensive strategic cooperation, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Amir-Abdollahian said the developments in the Red Sea were interconnected with the situation in Gaza and the behavior of the United States and Israel toward Palestinians while underlining the importance of ensuring international shipping security

Amir-Abdollahian said the developments in the Red Sea were interconnected with the situation in Gaza and the behavior of the United States and Israel toward Palestinians while underlining the importance of ensuring international shipping security.

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The top Iranian diplomat also highlighted the necessity to stop Israel's attacks against Gaza and its killing of the "oppressed" Palestinian people.

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For his part, Lavrov extended condolences to the Iranian government and people over the "terrorist" attack in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman on Jan 3 that killed more than 90 people and injured many others.

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He said his country is willing to see the restoration of calm, an end to the war in Gaza, and the formation of a Palestinian government.

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The Russian foreign minister also stressed the necessity to further expand bilateral relations, especially to finalize the treaty on strategic cooperation and promote transportation cooperation between the two sides.