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The Saudi Press Agency reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a telephone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 2. The two discussed the rapid developments in the military escalation affecting the Middle East. They also covered the negative repercussions of the situation on maritime security together with its influence on the international economy and reviewed several other regional and international issues of common interest.
Putin affirmed his country’s support for safeguarding the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial security during the conversation, the agency added. This position highlights the value Moscow places on its partnership with Riyadh at a time of heightened regional instability. The affirmation comes as the area continues to grapple with the consequences of armed actions against Iran that commenced in February.
A Kremlin statement cited by Reuters expressed serious concern from both leaders regarding the deteriorating military and political situation, including civilian casualties and damage to strategic infrastructure. Putin emphasized the urgency of resolving the situation by political and diplomatic means only. The Crown Prince, in turn, pointed to the positive and stabilising role that Russia could play given its friendly relations with Iran and the Gulf states.
The phone call aligns with a series of high-level contacts between the two sides aimed at addressing the fallout from the escalation that began with strikes on Iran on February 28. Both parties stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and intensified diplomatic work toward a settlement. Reuters reporting indicated that the leaders saw diplomatic efforts as the sole viable path forward.
Maritime security and freedom of navigation in critical waterways formed an important part of their exchange. The Saudi Press Agency noted that the discussion included the impact on global economic stability from any disruptions. Key passages such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb have seen increased threats amid the tensions.
Figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicate that nearly 21 million barrels of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz each day, equivalent to about one fifth of global oil consumption. Similar risks apply to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is essential for shipments heading to Europe and beyond. The leaders’ attention to these matters underscores the broader economic stakes involved in regional security.
The conversation reflects the continued engagement between Saudi Arabia and Russia on matters that affect both energy cooperation through OPEC+ and wider geopolitical stability. Previous calls between the pair have similarly focused on de-escalation and market stability, according to Russian readouts compiled by Reuters. Such dialogues help coordinate responses to challenges that cross national borders.
