Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian landed in Moscow Monday night to participate in the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). He told reporters upon his arrival at Vnukovo International Airport that relations between Iran and the “friendly and brotherly” nation of Russia have expanded significantly, reported IRNA. He noted that relations between the two countries have moved beyond the stage of drafting memoranda of understanding; the parties have signed a comprehensive strategic treaty and are working to operationalize all its aspects. The Iranian president said that efforts are underway to implement these agreements in practice across all areas—economic, scientific, cultural, security, and political.

In his address to the GECF, Pezeshkian said that U.S. military intervention in the Persian Gulf is disrupting global energy pricing, supply, and transit, warning that the consequences extend far beyond regional countries. “Today, U.S. military interventions in the Persian Gulf do not affect only regional actors; by creating serious shocks, they disrupt energy pricing, supply, and transit and put global economic growth at risk,” he said.

Pezeshkian also condemned unilateral sanctions against countries and the “U.S. economic terrorism” through a naval and air blockade against Iran. He said Washington was also pressuring other countries to comply with the blockade, further threatening the stability of international energy markets.