Pres. Pezeshkian hails Moscow visit as ‘positive,’ highlights talks with Russian, Qatari heads of state

President Masoud Pezeshkian has described his two-day visit to Moscow as successful, highlighting constructive discussions at the eighth summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart and Qatar’s emir.

Speaking before departing Moscow on Tuesday, the chief executive said the summit produced positive understandings and that his meetings with the Russian and Qatari heads of state addressed cooperation in energy, trade, infrastructure, and security.

“During the eighth summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), extensive and in-depth discussions and exchanges took place. We reached a number of positive understandings with favorable outcomes, and the summit was constructive and productive,” he said.

Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit, Pezeshkian had thanked Moscow for its political, security, and economic support, emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation among countries facing the United States’ sanctions. He had argued that regional countries could resolve their challenges through cooperation without relying on Washington. The president had also called for expanding bilateral relations with Russia in scientific, economic, industrial, cultural, security, and military fields.

Pezeshkian tells Putin US actions make closer ties among sanctioned countries necessary

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

For his part, Putin had noted that trade between the countries had increased by 10.4 percent in the first eight months of 2026. He had added that construction of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was continuing and that Russia was fulfilling its commitments under joint projects.

Pezeshkian's meeting with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had focused on expanding political and economic ties, developing trade and energy cooperation, and strengthening coordination among gas-exporting countries.

Summarizing his bilateral meetings as he was about to leave the Russian capital, Pezeshkian said, “We reached understandings on various issues, including agriculture, the oil and gas industries, road construction, security matters, and bilateral cooperation. Overall, the visit was very positive and effective.”

In Moscow, he had also addressed the GECF Summit, warning that the US’s acts of military aggression in the Persian Gulf region were jeopardizing global energy security and economic growth.

He had also condemned the US’s use of “economic terrorism,” including through unilateral sanctions and naval and air blockades against Iran, as well as the heavy pressure exerted on other nations to comply with Washington’s illegal measures.