Putin and Iran security chief discuss gas pipeline

Russian President Vladimir Putin received Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei in Moscow on Thursday for talks on strengthening ties, including a possible pipeline to import Russian gas.

Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, called the meeting "an extremely important exchange" in remarks reported by the Iranian embassy.

Iranian state TV reported Rezaei as saying the talks covered construction of gas pipelines from Russia to Iran. He said the aim was to help Iran address gas shortages and allow sales of Russian gas to neighbouring countries.

Iran has long suffered shortages of natural gas, which is important for heating. During the most intense phase of the war with the United States and Israel that began in February, Tehran said the two countries struck key infrastructure including natural gas refineries.

Russia and Iran have grown closer since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Rezaei said Putin also stressed the need for regional security mechanisms and opposed external interference in resolving the Middle East situation.