Iran’s president, message to Vladimir Putin: “I believe that we are capable of resolving our problems in the region without depending on the United States”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday that Middle Eastern states can resolve their problems on their own, without U.S. involvement. He made the statement in Moscow during a meeting held on the sidelines of an energy summit.

Pezeshkian called for deeper cooperation between Iran and Russia in areas including science, the economy, industry, culture, security and defense. He said the two countries can support each other if there is political will.

Vladimir Putin, for his part, said he had discussed the situation in the Middle East privately with Pezeshkian, describing it as a cause for concern. The Russian leader expressed hope that developments in the region would move in a positive direction.

Russia and Iran, both subject to severe international sanctions, have strengthened their political, military and economic ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In recent months, Moscow has said it is ready to help mediate between Tehran and Washington, but the negotiations are deadlocked. Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have intensified their threats of possible attacks against the Islamic Republic.