Iranian and Qatari leaders meet Putin in Moscow to discuss energy and Middle East tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow during the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum. The discussions focused on regional security, energy markets, and bilateral economic cooperation.

During talks with Pezeshkian, Putin highlighted that trade between Russia and Iran increased by 10.4 percent in the first eight months of 2026 compared to the previous year. He reaffirmed Russia's commitment to joint projects, including the ongoing construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Moscow's political and economic support, suggesting that regional issues should be resolved without U.S. intervention.

In a separate meeting with the Qatari Emir, Putin addressed Gulf security and the global gas market. Qatar, which acts as a mediator alongside Pakistan in negotiations between Tehran and Washington, sought Russian assistance in addressing the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

On the economic front, Iranian officials indicated that discussions in Moscow aimed to increase Russian investment in Iran's oil and gas industries and facilitate the transfer of Russian gas to Iran. Both nations also worked toward resolving issues related to joint energy projects and the exchange of energy carriers.