Nauseda calls for swift Middle East ceasefire

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Monday expressed hope for a swift ceasefire in the Middle East and a transition to diplomatic negotiations.

"One would really wish that this Iranian conflict or military operation in Iran would transition as quickly as possible from a military to a diplomatic stage, and that solutions would be sought at the diplomatic table, rather than through rockets," the head of state told reporters.

US and Israel attacked Iran in late February, to which Iran responded with strikes on American military bases in the region. The American campaign began after Washington announced a lack of progress in negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear and missile program.

Last week, the US granted India a temporary exemption to buy Russian oil, linking the decision to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial part of the oil supply chain from the Middle East.

Nausėda stated that "this is a kind of price we are paying for this war (in the Middle East - BNS)."

Ukraine’s supporters fear that increased Russian oil exports will enhance Moscow’s ability to cushion the losses incurred due to the invasion.