TEHRAN, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday held discussions with his Russian and Turkish counterparts on the recent developments in the West Asia region.
The discussion took place on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Araghchi met separately with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
In his meeting with Lavrov, Araghchi condemned the Israeli-U.S. aggression against Iran, emphasizing his country's determination to defend its sovereignty and hold the aggressors accountable. He noted that these attacks had dealt a "lethal blow" to the principles of the United Nations Charter, diplomacy and the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Lavrov reiterated Russia's condemnation of the illegal Israeli and U.S. strikes, particularly those on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities. He stressed the importance of preventing further escalation and ensuring regional stability, pledging Russia's support, including at the UN Security Council.
In Araghchi's separate meeting with Fidan, they discussed the ongoing situation in Gaza and called for immediate action to end Israel's "genocide." Both sides emphasized the need to hold Israel accountable for its crimes.
On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.
On June 22, U.S. forces bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities of Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on June 24. ■
