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 necessity of unobstructed passage through the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits during a phone call on Tuesday, according to the Kremlin. These straits are crucial global maritime trade routes, responsible for significant oil exports. The leaders also emphasized the need for a political and diplomatic resolution to the Middle East conflict and called for an immediate halt to hostilities in Yemen, citing the worsening military and political situation there.

Saudi Arabia is compelled to use the Suez Canal as an alternative export route for its oil due to disruptions in its key oil export routes by Iran and Iran-allied Houthi militants. In contrast, the United States, having previously bombed the Houthis for two months, has declined to follow the Saudi request to resume the fight against the group.