Russian President Vladimir Putin offered mediation in the US-Iran conflict during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, October 8, 2026, as Tehran targeted $20 billion in trade with Moscow and nuclear negotiations faced an impasse over enrichment demands.
Putin Offers Mediation at Turkmenistan Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Turkmenbashi on Thursday, October 8, 2026, ahead of a regional summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Putin stated that Moscow was prepared to assist in bringing an end to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
We know that Iran is making real efforts to end the conflict, which broke out through no fault of its own, no fault of Iran’s
, Putin said, according to Russian media reported by Al Jazeera, praising Tehran for pursuing a resolution.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov noted that this bilateral encounter was one of several scheduled alongside the CIS gathering in Avaza, a resort on the Caspian Sea coast where leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Central Asian states also convened, following the two leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan last month.
“You know our position. On our part, we are ready to do everything we can to help you resolve this situation.”
President Vladimir Putin, via Interfax
President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Moscow’s diplomatic backing, particularly at the United Nations, which he stated prevented the imposition of unilateral approaches.
Tehran Expands Caspian Shipping Routes
Tehran and Moscow have increased the number of cargo ships in the Caspian Sea from 127 to 211 to help Tehran cope with restrictions and maintain shipping routes.
Iran Holds Firm on Uranium Enrichment
The diplomatic overtures coincide with a firm stance from Tehran regarding its nuclear program.
We are engaged in dialogue, but every time we negotiate with the United States, they attack again
, Pezeshkian said according to Iranian state media, affirming that Tehran remains engaged in indirect diplomatic talks via intermediaries such as Qatar and Pakistan despite military attacks occurring during negotiations, and adding that Tehran had once again revised the American proposal and would communicate the results through existing intermediaries once finalized.
US President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that he would not launch attacks against Iran before the November 3 midterm congressional elections while describing ongoing discussions with the Islamic Republic as productive, even as the Pentagon had reportedly been instructed to prepare for a possible resumption of major combat operations.
