Russian president Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, April 2nd calling for intensified political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing Middle East war.
The Kremlin said both leaders emphasized the need for a rapid cessation of hostilities and a long-term regional settlement.
Facing isolation from the West, Putin has sought to strengthen ties in the Middle East, maintaining close relations with both Iran and the Gulf monarchies. During the call, the two leaders also discussed the energy crisis caused by the conflict, noting its impact on global oil production and transportation. They highlighted the importance of continued cooperation within the OPEC+ framework to stabilize oil markets, which include the 12 main OPEC members and 10 other top producers.
Meanwhile, from South Korea French president Emmanuel Macron addressed the conflict, dismissing the idea of a military operation to liberate the Strait of Hormuz as “unrealistic.”
Macron criticized the daily changes in the United States’ stance on NATO and the Iran war, warning that any forceful operation would expose ships to Iranian coastal threats and ballistic missile attacks. He urged a ceasefire and a return to negotiations with Iran, stressing that the Strait’s security can only be achieved through diplomatic cooperation.
