Key facts
- Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on Tuesday.
- They emphasized the need for safe passage through the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits.
- The leaders called for a political and diplomatic settlement in the Middle East.
- They also urged an immediate cessation of hostilities in Yemen.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call on Tuesday, during which they stressed the importance of ensuring safe passage through the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits, critical maritime trade routes. The Kremlin stated that the two leaders also engaged in a detailed discussion on the situation in the Middle East, agreeing that a political and diplomatic resolution is the only viable path forward. Amidst a deteriorating military and political situation in Yemen, they also emphasized the necessity for a swift cessation of hostilities. Saudi Arabia has been rerouting oil exports via Egypt's Suez Canal due to disruptions in the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits by Iran and Iran-allied Houthi militants. The United States, which previously bombed the Houthis, has reportedly declined recent requests from Mohammed bin Salman to re-engage in the conflict.