Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 27 October that countries in the region are capable of resolving their own problems without relying on the United States. The message was delivered during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit, Iran's IRNA news agency reported.

Pezeshkian framed the argument in terms of a multipolar world, saying such an order would benefit all countries that wish to preserve their independence. He added that regional states could support one another across the economy, security and humanitarian affairs, and that there was no need to depend on American assistance in the region, even though some regional governments might disagree.

Trade, energy and joint projects

The talks also covered practical cooperation. Putin said bilateral trade had risen by 10.4% in the first eight months of 2026, and confirmed that construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, led by Russia's state company Rosatom, was progressing. Pezeshkian thanked Moscow for its political, security and economic support and called for stronger cooperation among countries facing sanctions, spanning science, industry, culture, security and defence.

Cultural and media ties featured as well, with Pezeshkian pointing to festivals held in Moscow, Kazan and Astrakhan and to permits for Russia's state broadcaster to open a representative office in Iran.