Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met in Turkmenistan to discuss ending the ongoing conflict with the United States. Putin pledged full support for a diplomatic resolution, while Pezeshkian confirmed that Tehran remains committed to negotiations despite recent military escalations.
Vladimir Putin Pledges Support for Peace Talks in Turkmenistan
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the Caspian Sea resort of Avaza, Turkmenistan, ahead of the Commonwealth of Independent States summit. Putin stated that Moscow is ready to do everything within our power to help resolve the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.
The meeting brought together leaders of two sanctioned nations on the eve of regional talks involving former Soviet republics. Putin praised Tehran for what he termed genuine diplomatic efforts, noting that the hostilities had broken out through no fault of Iran.
The Commonwealth of Independent States was originally formed in 1991 to help soften the aftermath of the Soviet collapse and preserve connections between its former republics. Georgia withdrew following its 2008 war with Russia, Ukraine stopped participating after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014, and Moldova exited in 2023 in pursuit of closer integration with the European Union. Temur Umarov, a researcher at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, told AFP that for a diplomatically isolated Russia engaged in the Ukraine conflict since 2022, the organization demonstrates that Moscow still possesses an institutionalized and fortified sphere of influence. Zhanibek Arynov, a Central Asian geopolitics researcher based in Kazakhstan, noted to AFP that even if Moscow attempts to utilize the platform to spread anti-Western or anti-Ukrainian messages, other member states will not automatically adopt that stance.
You know our position. On our part, we are ready to do everything we can to help you resolve this situation.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
Tehran Maintains Commitment to Diplomacy Amid Ongoing US Strikes
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his Russian counterpart that Tehran will not abandon the negotiating table despite challenging regional conditions. According to Pezeshkian, dialogue has repeatedly encountered military hurdles during previous diplomatic exchanges.
We are in talks, but every time we engage in dialogue with America, they attack again; however, we will not withdraw from the negotiating table.
Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran
Pezeshkian noted that both sides had exchanged settlement proposals. Tehran is currently reviewing and amending the latest American terms through intermediaries before consolidating a final framework. The Iranian leader criticized Washington for pursuing unilateral policies and attempting to impose domestic political agendas on other countries.
Russia and Iran Expand Economic and Strategic Ties
Economic cooperation between Russia and Iran continues to expand under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed in January 2025. Putin highlighted that bilateral trade grew by 21 percent last year, with positive growth continuing through the first seven months of 2026.
Mohammad-Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization and deputy minister of Industry, Mining and Trade, stated that Tehran aims to increase its exports to Russia from the current $1-$2 billion to as much as $20 billion. Dehnavi pointed to the Iran-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, which took effect in April 2025 and eliminated tariffs on 87 percent of goods, as a driver for bilateral commerce.
Leaders Coordinate on Transport Corridors
Strategic coordination extends beyond trade into regional transport infrastructure. Both nations utilize platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the INSTC to secure alternative trade routes.
Diplomatic contacts continue through intermediaries such as Pakistan and Qatar. US President Donald Trump stated that Washington is holding productive discussions with Tehran while maintaining a blockade on Iranian maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.