Russia called on the United States to abandon its 'language of ultimatums' toward Iran and shift back to diplomatic negotiations amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated on Sunday, following a telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. 'The Russian side expressed hope that the efforts undertaken by several states to de-escalate tensions around Iran will be successful,' the ministry said, adding that this 'would be facilitated by the United States abandoning the language of ultimatums and returning the situation to a negotiating track.'

Lavrov's remarks came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump posted a profanity-laced threat on Truth Social, warning Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening or face strikes on its power plants and bridges. Trump has issued multiple deadlines on the vital waterway, which carries about 20 percent of global oil and gas shipments, after Iran imposed restrictions, including $2 million tolls on passing vessels, driving oil prices to $109 per barrel, a 50 percent rise since late February.

The ministry readout also noted both ministers urged avoiding actions, including at the U.N. Security Council, that could undermine diplomatic progress. They condemned what they called 'illegal attacks on civilian infrastructure,' referencing a U.S.-Israeli strike near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, where Russia has 198 technicians. Moscow began evacuating those workers on Saturday.

The broader conflict intensified last week. Iran shot down a U.S. F-15E fighter jet on Friday, prompting a successful rescue of the weapons systems officer deep in Iranian territory. Another U.S. A-10 crashed nearby, with its pilot also rescued. Israel has conducted airstrikes on over 120 Iranian targets, including missile sites and drone facilities, while hitting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, where strikes killed at least four in Beirut on Sunday.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on sites in Israel, Kuwait, and Bahrain, causing injuries and damage but no deaths in recent strikes. Hundreds of civilians have died since the war's onset, including nearly 200 schoolchildren in one incident, according to reports.

Oman mediated talks with Iran on easing Hormuz transit, but no agreement emerged. OPEC Plus, including Russia, raised production quotas slightly amid supply fears. Trump indicated a possible deal by Monday but warned of seizing Iranian oil fields if needed. Democrats criticized his rhetoric as reckless, while some Republicans defended the military operations.

Russia's intervention highlights its deepening ties with Iran, including a recent strategic partnership, as both navigate the fallout from restricted oil flows and regional strikes.