Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the security of key maritime routes during a phone call on Tuesday.
The leaders stressed the need for safe and unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Both waterways play an important role in global trade and energy shipments.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders also discussed the worsening military and political situation in the Middle East.
Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Discuss Yemen
The Kremlin said Putin and Mohammed bin Salman called for a swift end to hostilities in Yemen.
They also backed a political and diplomatic approach to the wider Middle East crisis.
The leaders emphasized that commercial vessels should be able to move safely through international waterways in the region.
Their discussion comes as security concerns continue to affect shipping around both major maritime chokepoints.
Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Face Shipping Pressure
The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial route for global energy supplies. Meanwhile, the Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and provides an important link between Europe and Asia.
Recent disruptions have sharply reduced shipping activity through Hormuz. Reuters reported that only two commodity vessels crossed the strait on Monday, compared with a pre-conflict average of about 125 large commercial vessels per day.
The Bab el-Mandeb has also faced growing security concerns following the Houthi advance along Yemen’s western coast.
Saudi Arabia Faces Alternative Export Routes
The disruptions have created additional pressure on Saudi Arabia’s oil exports.
Saudi Arabia has previously used its East-West pipeline to move crude toward Red Sea terminals. However, threats around Bab el-Mandeb have complicated that alternative route.
As a result, some Saudi oil shipments have faced longer routes through Egypt’s Suez Canal and around other maritime corridors.
These diversions can increase sailing times and shipping costs.
US Role Adds to Regional Tensions
The talks also come as Washington weighs its involvement in the Yemen conflict.
The United States previously carried out strikes against Houthi targets. However, Washington has not resumed direct military action against the group despite Saudi requests for additional support, according to recent reporting.
Meanwhile, the security situation around Yemen continues to affect regional shipping and energy routes.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Putin and Mohammed bin Salman emphasized diplomacy during their conversation.
Their call reflects wider efforts to address the conflicts affecting the Middle East and protect international maritime trade.
For now, the security of the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits remains closely linked to regional military developments and the flow of global energy supplies.
