Russian-Iranian talks at the Kremlin address regional situations and strategic cooperation, amid Moscow’s affirmation of the continuation of nuclear energy projects and the growth of trade re
Moscow – October 27, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism about the possibility of positive developments in the Middle East during talks held on Tuesday with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian at the Kremlin, on the sidelines of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit hosted by the Russian capital Moscow.
Putin said, according to statements reported by the Russian agency «RIA Novosti», that Moscow expects positive developments in the region, noting that the talks with the Iranian president addressed political and security developments and the challenges facing the Middle East.
The meeting came amid ongoing regional tensions related to Iran, the United States, and Israel, and their impact on energy markets and international trade, amid diplomatic efforts to find settlements to prevent the expansion of confrontations.
Pezeshkian: There is no point in relying on the United States
For his part, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his country’s appreciation for the Russian positions supporting Tehran, emphasizing the importance of continuing political and economic coordination between the two countries in facing regional and international challenges.
Pezeshkian considered, according to what Russian media reported, that there is no point in relying solely on the United States to resolve Middle East crises, reflecting the ongoing lack of trust between Tehran and Washington.
His statements come amid ongoing disagreements over the future of political and security settlements in the region, and the US economic sanctions imposed on Iran.
The Iranian president had criticized, during his speech at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, the US military interventions and sanctions, considering that they contributed to destabilizing global energy markets and disrupting their supplies.
Trade exchange between Russia and Iran continues to grow
On the economic front, Putin confirmed the continued development of trade relations between Moscow and Tehran, noting that the volume of trade exchange increased by 10.4% during the first eight months of 2026, according to figures cited in the statements reported from the meeting.
This growth comes within the framework of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries, which are working to expand their relations in the energy, transport, industry, and trade sectors.
Russia and Iran had signed in January 2025 a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement aimed at developing bilateral cooperation and expanding coordination on regional and international issues.
The two governments seek to enhance linkage, transport, and trade exchange projects, including the development of the international transport corridor «North–South», which aims to facilitate the movement of goods between Russia, Iran, and Asian markets.
Moscow confirms continuation of work at the Bushehr nuclear power plant
Putin also confirmed Russia’s commitment to continue implementing its joint projects with Iran, foremost among them the works related to the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
He stressed that Moscow fulfills its commitments related to joint projects, despite the political and security challenges facing the region.
The Bushehr plant is one of the most prominent cooperation projects between the two countries in the field of civil nuclear energy, with Russia playing a major role in developing the facility and operating some aspects of its technical program.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had earlier in October confirmed the continued commitment to economic and investment projects with Iran, pointing to the gradual return of Russian specialists working at the Bushehr plant.
The Gas Forum discusses energy security challenges
The Russian-Iranian meeting took place on the sidelines of the eighth summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, which includes a number of the world’s leading natural gas producers, including Russia, Iran, Qatar, and Algeria.
During the summit, Putin called for enhancing cooperation among producing countries, developing supply routes, and working to achieve stability in global markets.
He also affirmed that the continuation of conflicts and economic sanctions exacerbates uncertainty in the energy sector and affects price stability and long-term investments.
He stressed that the interest of producing countries is not limited to benefiting from rising prices but includes ensuring market stability and the continuity of demand and supplies.
Political rapprochement in a sensitive regional phase
The talks reflect the ongoing strategic rapprochement between Moscow and Tehran, especially on issues related to regional security, energy, and relations with the United States.
They also confirm the two countries’ keenness to strengthen their economic and political partnership amid sanctions and external pressures.
However, Putin’s optimistic statements do not necessarily mean the existence of a new political agreement or a real breakthrough in the course of resolving regional crises, as no specific arrangements or timelines for ending existing disputes were announced.
The talks gain additional importance given the role Russia seeks to play in regional interactions, and its attempts to combine strengthening its partnership with Iran while maintaining diplomatic communication channels with other powers.
Between Putin’s optimism and Pezeshkian’s reservations towards Washington, the meeting reflects a divergence in assessing the prospects for political settlement, but it confirms the continuation of Russian-Iranian coordination on Middle East files, energy, and economic cooperation, at a stage where the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent renewed regional escalation is increasing.