Lavrov Urges Emirates to Back US-Iran Talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone with his United Arab Emirates counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Friday, urging support for ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran to prevent a return to conflict in the Middle East.

Moscow said the focus must remain on the Washington-Tehran talks and that the chances of regional stabilization should not be jeopardized by a resumption of hostilities.

Separately, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on Friday against 10 individuals and companies, including several entities in China and Hong Kong, over their alleged role in helping the Iranian military acquire weapons and raw materials used in the production of Shahed drones.

The sanctions come shortly before President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to the region to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

(reuters, lud)