Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the importance of securing safe passage through the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz during a phone call on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the Kremlin. These waterways are critical chokepoints for global maritime trade, and both leaders underscored their significance for international shipping and energy supplies.

The two officials exchanged detailed views on the broader Middle East situation, reaffirming their shared position that political and diplomatic efforts remain the only viable solution to ongoing regional conflicts. They specifically emphasized the need for an immediate halt to hostilities in Yemen, where the military and political situation continues to worsen.

The deteriorating security environment in Yemen poses significant challenges not only to regional stability but also to the safety of maritime routes vital to global commerce. The Kremlin statement highlighted the leaders’ call for a swift cessation of fighting to facilitate humanitarian access and to reduce risks to vessels transiting the area.

Both Putin and bin Salman stressed the necessity of ensuring unimpeded navigation through these international waterways to maintain economic stability and prevent disruptions in energy exports. The Bab el-Mandeb strait, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and the Strait of Hormuz, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, are frequently affected by geopolitical tensions that can threaten shipping security.

This dialogue reflects ongoing concerns by Moscow and Riyadh about maritime safety amid the complex dynamics of the Middle East, where multiple conflicts and rivalries persist. The phone call comes amid wider international efforts to promote diplomatic resolutions across the region and to safeguard critical trade routes against conflict-related disruptions.