Putin, Pezeshkian call for energy cooperation at Moscow gas summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for greater cooperation among major natural gas producers at the eighth Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit in Moscow on Tuesday, amid Western sanctions, geopolitical tensions and concerns over global energy security.

Addressing the summit, Putin said GECF member states control about 70% of the world’s natural gas reserves and account for roughly 40% of global exports. He called for stronger coordination among producers to stabilize markets amid supply disruptions and restrictions on technology and equipment.

Responding to Western efforts to limit Russia’s role in global gas markets, Putin warned that such measures could backfire, driving up energy costs for Western consumers. He pointed to rising global gas demand and stressed the need for optimized supply routes, long-term contracts, infrastructure investment and technological cooperation among exporting countries.

Pezeshkian, meanwhile, condemned unilateral sanctions and what he described as US “economic terrorism.” He argued that US and Israeli military actions against Iran, alongside restrictions affecting energy flows, had threatened global energy security and market stability.

The Iranian president urged major gas producers to oppose external interference and expand strategic and technical cooperation. He said Iran had an annual natural gas production capacity of about 280 billion cubic metres and was ready to deepen joint investments and trade with other GECF members.

The summit, which coincides with the forum’s 25th anniversary, focused on natural gas’s role in global energy security, market stability and international cooperation. Participants adopted a declaration expressing concern over geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East, and their impact on energy supplies and investment.