Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected claims that outside powers can weaken Moscow–Tehran relations, stressing they serve core national and public interests. Lavrov said Russia–U.S. contacts on Ukraine rest on a strong foundation established during the Alaska summit, adding Washington fully understands Russia’s position. He dismissed European rhetoric about preparing for war, calling such a scenario unrealistic. Lavrov also condemned U.S. actions in Venezuela as a gross violation of international law, saying Moscow’s position remains unchanged and is widely supported across the Global South and East, reinforcing Russia’s broader geopolitical alignment.