Russian President Vladimir Putin received Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, in Moscow on Thursday to discuss closer ties between the two countries. The talks included a proposed pipeline to import Russian gas into Iran. Rezaei, who is secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, called the meeting “an extremely important exchange,” according to remarks reported by the Iranian embassy.
Gas shortages and the pipeline plan
Rezaei said the discussions covered building gas pipelines from Russia to Iran. He said the aim was to help Iran meet its own gas shortages while also making it easier to sell Russian gas to neighbouring countries. Iran is a major gas producer, but it has long struggled with shortages of natural gas, which is needed to run heating systems.
The war and Russia’s offer of mediation
The shortages have been worse since the war with the United States and Israel began in February. According to Tehran, key Iranian infrastructure, including natural gas refineries, was struck during the most intense phase of fighting, which lasted nearly 40 days. Russia and Iran are both among the most heavily sanctioned states in the world, and their ties have grown since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In early October, Putin said Russia was prepared to take part in mediation to bring the war to an end. Rezaei said Putin had stressed the need for regional security mechanisms and “the inadmissibility of any interference by external powers” in resolving the situation in the Middle East.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- February: The war between the United States, Israel and Iran began.
- Nearly 40 days: The most intense phase of fighting lasted this long. According to Tehran, key Iranian infrastructure, including gas refineries, was struck.
- Early October: Putin said Russia was prepared to take part in mediation to end the war.
- Thursday (date not given): Putin received Rezaei in Moscow to discuss the gas pipeline and wider ties.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Putin ne Moscow mein Iran ke security chief Mohsen Rezaei se mulaqat ki. Dono mulkon ne Russia se Iran tak gas pipeline banane par baat ki, taake Iran ki gas ki kami poori ho sake. Iran ke paas gas ki kami pehle se thi aur jang ke baad ye masla aur barh gaya hai. Pakistan par iska seedha asar abhi wazeh nahi hai, lekin tel aur gas ki qeematon par nazar rakhni chahiye.
