IRIA News

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met in Turkmenistan on October 8, 2026, to discuss bilateral cooperation and the ongoing war between Iran and the United States.

Putin pledged Russian support for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, while Pezeshkian confirmed that Tehran and Washington had exchanged new proposals for negotiations.

The meeting took place in Turkmenbashi on the sidelines of regional summits hosted by Turkmenistan, where leaders also gathered to discuss cooperation among Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members and environmental issues affecting the Caspian Sea.

Putin said relations between Russia and Iran were developing positively under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in January 2025. He highlighted growing economic ties, noting that bilateral trade increased by 21 percent in 2025 and continued to grow during the first seven months of 2026.

The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in energy, agriculture, transportation and trade. They also stressed the need to accelerate joint projects and strengthen cooperation in other areas, including humanitarian affairs.

Pezeshkian said both countries had the political will to deepen their partnership and thanked Moscow for its position on regional issues and at the United Nations. He also welcomed Russia’s opposition to what Tehran describes as unilateral policies by Washington.

Putin said Moscow was ready to support efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully. “We know that Iran is making genuine efforts to end the conflict that is raging in the region through no fault of Iran, and that it has once again put forward new proposals for a settlement of the situation by peaceful means,” Putin said. He added that Russia was prepared to do everything within its power to help resolve the situation.

CIS Leaders Gather in Turkmenistan

The meeting between Putin and Pezeshkian took place as Turkmenistan hosted the CIS Council of Heads of State in the Avaza National Tourist Zone on October 9. The gathering brought together leaders from former Soviet republics to review cooperation and discuss regional and international developments.

Participants included the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and host country Turkmenistan. Pezeshkian attended as a special guest, marking Iran’s first participation in a CIS Council of Heads of State meeting.

The summit’s agenda included strengthening cooperation in economic, cultural, humanitarian and information technology sectors, as well as coordinating foreign policy positions among member states.

Putin has emphasized the importance of maintaining economic and other ties among former Soviet republics, particularly as Russia continues to face Western sanctions.

Turkmenistan also hosted the first Caspian Environmental Summit, bringing together leaders from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. The discussions focused on environmental protection and cooperation among the five Caspian Sea-bordering countries.

Iran and US Exchange New Proposals

Pezeshkian said Iran remained committed to negotiations with Washington despite repeated attacks during previous rounds of talks. He confirmed that both sides had presented proposals and that Tehran had revised the latest American initiative.

“We are in talks, but every time we talk with the U.S., they attack again. However, we will not walk away from the negotiating table and dialogue,” Pezeshkian said.

He added that once the proposals were finalized, the two sides would work through existing intermediaries to bring their positions together.

Tehran seeks to end the war while ensuring that Iran’s rights are respected under international law. Pezeshkian warned that negotiations would remain difficult if Washington continued to pursue an approach that Iran considers unilateral.

The discussions come amid efforts to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments. However, the exchange of proposals has not yet produced a final agreement.

Putin and Pezeshkian also discussed the conflict during a telephone conversation on Wednesday, when the Russian president expressed Moscow’s readiness to support diplomatic efforts.

Their latest meeting underscores Russia’s intention to maintain close ties with Iran while offering diplomatic support as Tehran and Washington consider their next steps.