Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Moscow for the eighth Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit, a gathering of leaders from some of the world's biggest natural-gas producers. He is due to speak at the summit on Tuesday during what is described as a one-day visit. On the sidelines, he is expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on economic cooperation, regional and international developments, and progress on the strategic partnership agreement between the two countries. Iran and Russia are among the largest holders of natural-gas reserves in the world, which is why their energy cooperation is being watched so closely. The forum itself brings together major producers, including Iran, Russia, Qatar and Algeria.

The trip comes at a tense moment for Iran, with the possibility of renewed US military action hanging over the region and diplomatic efforts led by Qatar still stuck. President Trump has suggested Washington could strike again, and Pezeshkian himself described the current "no war, no peace" situation as the worst position Iran could be in. Iranian officials present the forum as a place to coordinate policies, protect energy security, and shield gas exporters from sanctions and Western market swings. Putin also told Pezeshkian earlier this month that Russia was willing to help mediation between Iran and the United States. What actually comes out of the Moscow talks has not been announced, so the big questions are whether any concrete energy deals follow and how they might affect global gas markets.