Iran, Qatar leaders discuss energy cooperation in Moscow amid regional war

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed expanding Iran-Qatar energy cooperation in Moscow on Tuesday, Iranian state media reported. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit, as Qatar continues mediating an end to the regional war.

What did Iran and Qatar discuss in Moscow?

The leaders reviewed relations between Tehran and Doha and stressed the importance of deepening political and economic ties. They also discussed closer coordination among gas-exporting countries, according to Iranian state media. The Iranian report did not say whether the war was raised.

Where did the Pezeshkian and Tamim meeting take place?

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit in Moscow. Their talks covered strengthening coordination among gas-exporting countries, alongside bilateral ties.

Press TV quoted a summary of the discussion: "The two sides reviewed the current state of relations between Tehran and Doha and emphasized the importance of deepening political and economic ties and making use of existing potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation."

Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin later on Tuesday.

How does Iran-Qatar energy cooperation relate to the regional war?

The war began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the region, including against Qatar, and the conflict has since spread.

Qatar has taken part in mediation efforts in recent months to help end the fighting. In early October, Putin said Russia was prepared to join mediation efforts to bring the war to an end.