Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday that the Middle East is capable of addressing its challenges without relying on the United States. The remarks were made during a meeting on the sidelines of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit in Moscow.

Pezeshkian emphasized the growth of trade ties between Iran and Russia, noting that U.S. actions in the region have facilitated deeper multilateral cooperation among countries facing unilateral U.S. sanctions. “Our trade is expanding and growing day by day,” he said, underscoring the potential for increased collaboration with Russia and other partners.

Putin expressed concern about the ongoing conflict in the region but voiced hope for an improvement in the situation. “We spoke earlier, one-on-one, about the situation in the region — a situation that, undoubtedly, cannot help but cause concern,” Putin said, adding that he hoped the dynamics would evolve positively.

Pezeshkian also indicated confidence in the existence of mutual willingness to broaden cooperation between Tehran and Moscow across multiple sectors, including science, industry, culture, security, and military affairs.

Russia has sought a mediating role in the Middle East conflict, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visiting Iran last week for the first time since the outbreak of hostilities. Lavrov described Russia’s efforts as aimed at preventing the escalation into a large-scale war, amid stalled negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later commented on the growing closeness of Iran-Russia ties, stating that the two countries had “never” worked as closely as they do now. Despite these developments, diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran remain at an impasse, with Washington and Israel continuing to warn of possible renewed strikes against Iran.