Putin calls Middle East leaders as Moscow seeks ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain following the US‑Israeli attacks on Iran, which Moscow described as unprovoked aggression.

The Kremlin also confirmed that it is in constant contact with the Iranian leadership and offered to act as a mediator between Tehran and the Persian Gulf states. According to available information, Putin suggested he would convey the Emirates’ complaints about Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Russia sees its partnership with Iran as key to maintaining its influence in the Middle East, which has weakened since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al‑Assad. At the same time, however, it does not want to lose dialogue with Donald Trump’s administration, as Washington is mediating negotiations on Ukraine.

Although Moscow may benefit from rising oil prices, it believes the spread of the conflict threatens efforts to establish a multipolar world order. The Kremlin has therefore called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy.

(reuters, mja)