Putin and Saudi crown prince call for safe passage via Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the urgent need for secure passage through the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits, crucial global shipping routes, during a phone conversation on Tuesday, according to the Kremlin. Both leaders also examined the Middle East's current situation and stressed that a political and diplomatic resolution is the only viable solution.

They further emphasized the critical importance of halting hostilities in Yemen, where the military and political landscape continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin highlighted the necessity of ensuring uninterrupted access to international waterways, specifically the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits, which are currently impeded by Iran and Iran-backed Houthi militants.

Saudi Arabia, facing disruptions to two major oil export routes due to the ongoing conflict, has been forced to utilize Egypt's Suez Canal for oil shipments. Despite repeated appeals by Saudi Arabia for assistance, the United States has yet to commit to joining the fight against the Houthis, with President Trump last-minute cancelling airstrikes against the group just before they were about to commence.