Iran President Says Middle East Can Solve Its Problems Without US Involvement

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Middle Eastern countries are capable of resolving regional conflicts without relying on the United States, as Tehran and Moscow seek closer cooperation amid continuing tensions in the region. Pezeshkian made the remarks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, October 27, on the sidelines of a summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum.

“I believe we are capable of resolving our problems in the region without relying on the United States,” Pezeshkian said, signalling Tehran’s preference for greater regional cooperation and less dependence on Washington.

The Iranian leader also highlighted the growing relationship between Iran and Russia, saying trade between the two countries was expanding. He argued that US actions in the region were encouraging closer cooperation between Moscow, Tehran and other countries facing unilateral American sanctions.

Putin meanwhile, acknowledged the seriousness of the regional situation and said he hoped developments would move in a positive direction. He emphasised the shared interests between Russia and Iran, noting that the two neighbouring countries were working to expand their cooperation. Pezeshkian said both governments were interested in strengthening ties across several areas, including science, industry, culture, security and military affairs.

The meeting comes as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a renewed escalation of the Middle East war, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Negotiations between Washington and Tehran have remained stalled for months, while the United States and Israel have warned that further strikes remain possible.

Russia has been seeking a diplomatic role in efforts to end the conflict. Regional countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, have also been involved in discussions aimed at reducing tensions and preventing a return to large scale fighting.

Pezeshkian’s comments reflect Tehran’s wider push for a regional security arrangement in which Middle Eastern countries take greater responsibility for managing their own disputes. However, achieving such an arrangement remains challenging amid longstanding rivalries, security concerns and disagreements over Iran’s role in the region.

With negotiations between Iran and the United States still stalled, it remains uncertain whether diplomatic initiatives led by regional countries and Russia will produce a lasting agreement or prevent further military confrontation.