President Masoud Pezeshkian has told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that unilateral US actions make stronger cooperation among sanctioned countries increasingly necessary, stressing that regional nations can resolve their challenges without relying on Washington.

The Iranian president made the remarks during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia on the sidelines of the 8th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow on Tuesday.

He thanked Putin for Moscow’s political and economic support for Tehran, while the two leaders discussed regional tensions and bilateral ties.

He also welcomed the growth in trade between the two countries, calling for stronger cooperation among countries facing sanctions.

“We appreciate your hospitality and the support you have provided to Iran in political, security and economic matters,” Pezeshkian said.

Unilateral US actions in the region, he said, make it inevitable to strengthen multilateralism and expand ties among countries under sanctions.

“Countries in the region have the ability and the determination to resolve their challenges through regional cooperation without depending on the United States,” Pezeshkian said.

He added that the two countries could further develop relations in scientific, economic, industrial, cultural, security and military fields.

US aggression in Persian Gulf threatens energy security, economic growth, Pezeshkian tells GECF

The Iranian president has warned that US military adventurism in the Persian Gulf is jeopardizing global energy security and economic growth.

Pezeshkian also highlighted efforts to expand cultural exchanges and media cooperation between the two countries, pointing to cultural festivals held in Moscow, Kazan and Astrakhan as important achievements in bilateral relations.

He said Iran had issued the necessary permits for Russia’s state radio and television broadcaster to establish a representative office in Iran, following a report and proposal by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, adding that preparations for opening the office are underway.

Iran also welcomes plans for reciprocal Russian cultural and media festivals and exhibitions in Tehran, Pezeshkian said, describing such initiatives as a way to deepen cultural relations and strengthen communication between the two countries.

Putin, for his part, said bilateral trade between Russia and Iran had increased by 10.4 percent in the first eight months of 2026.

He also said construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran was continuing and that Russia was fulfilling all its commitments under joint projects with Tehran.

“Russia is fully implementing all its obligations under joint projects with Iran,” Putin said.

The Russian president also expressed hope that developments in West Asia would move in a positive direction, referring to his discussions with Pezeshkian.

“We are seeking to realize all our common interests with Iran,” Putin said.

Putin described the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit as constructive and said Russia was always pleased to host the Iranian president.