New Delhi: The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has extended a helping hand to Iran in finding a way out of this ongoing war as diplomatic talks continue for the resolution of this dispute between Tehran and Washington, who disagree on the conditions for peace. Putin told the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who is visiting Turkmenistan that Russia was willing to assist with peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The offer comes as Iran and the United States continue to exchange proposals through intermediaries but have yet to reach a lasting settlement. Pakistan has played a central role in bringing the two sides into negotiations, while Qatar has also been involved in mediation efforts and diplomatic contacts.
“We know that Iran is making concrete efforts to end the conflict that broke out in the region through no fault of its own,” Putin said. He added that Russia was ready to do everything within its power to help Pezeshkian resolve the situation.
Why peace talks matter
The war started in late February 2026 following an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran. In retaliation, Tehran attacked Israel and other US-allied countries in the region, thus expanding the war to the entire region.
Strikes have also disrupted shipping from the Strait of Hormuz, which is an important waterway used for the transportation of oil and natural gas across the world. Safe passage of ships through the strait has emerged as one of the important objectives that need to be accomplished to stop the war.
Qatar and Pakistan have been working to bring Washington and Tehran towards an agreement. Earlier mediation efforts led to a ceasefire and a memorandum outlining a framework for further negotiations, but disagreements have prevented the process from delivering a lasting settlement. Iran has also said it is willing to continue negotiations, while insisting that any agreement must protect its national interests and rights.
What Putin discussed with Pezeshkian
Putin and Pezeshkian met on the sidelines of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) heads of state summit and the Caspian Sea environmental summit in Turkmenistan. Putin said the two leaders would discuss the regional conflict as well as the development of relations between Moscow and Tehran.
However, Putin did not announce a specific Russian peace plan or outline what role Moscow would take in negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Alongside the conflict, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture and transportation. The Iranian presidency said they reviewed progress in bilateral relations and stressed the need to speed up the completion and implementation of joint projects.
Putin said trade between Russia and Iran grew by more than 21 per cent in 2025, with the trend continuing during the first seven months of this year. He also pointed to humanitarian cooperation and said relations were developing positively under the strategic partnership treaty signed in January 2025.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in ways that serve their national interests and contribute to regional stability. Putin also asked Pezeshkian to convey his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Russia’s offer adds another diplomatic channel to efforts to end the war, but a settlement will depend on whether Iran and the United States can bridge their differences. While Pakistan remains a key intermediary and Qatar continues its diplomatic contacts, Moscow has expressed its willingness to help without announcing a formal mediation initiative or a concrete plan to secure an agreement.