Russia doubts U.S. success in altering Montreux Convention

He emphasized Turkey's commitment to strictly enforcing the treaty's provisions. This statement came in response to U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Wallander's remarks, which some interpreted as a U.S. desire to change or terminate the agreement.

At a United Nations press conference in New York, Lavrov addressed a question about the Pentagon's reference to Turkey's application of a specific article of the Montreux Convention. The question suggested that this reference hinted at the U.S.'s intention to abrogate the convention. Lavrov stated, "If the United States proposes any changes to the Montreux Convention, our Turkish counterparts, as guardians of the convention, have assured us multiple times of their commitment to its strict application."

Lavrov also commented on the increased activity at the Pentagon following the return of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, expressing his belief that their efforts to alter the convention would not succeed.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander had previously stated, "We can collaborate with Black Sea countries, including Turkey, to avoid conflict. Turkey has implemented a relevant article of the Montreux Convention, which it safeguards." Her comments were widely interpreted as a sign of the U.S.'s intention to either modify or nullify the Montreux Convention.