On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on a secure line, insisting that vessels must keep moving through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
The conversation came as Iranian forces blockaded the Gulf of Oman and Houthi fighters launched drone attacks that have forced Saudi Arabia to reroute crude through Egypt's Suez Canal. In July, Saudi crude exports climbed to 4.125 million barrels a day, up 3.3 % from June, the highest since March.
Putin urged a diplomatic settlement, while the Crown Prince pressed for a quick end to Yemen's fighting. Yet the United States, which had bombed Houthi targets for two months last year, declined to reengage, after President Donald Trump cancelled planned strikes just before the attack crews loaded ordnance.
Iran’s senior officials said the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within a week if Washington eases military pressure and lifts the port blockade. The Houthi group seized strategic heights on Monday, cutting off the Red Sea coast from Saudi‑backed forces, further tightening the choke point.
The two leaders agreed to issue a joint statement calling for a ceasefire, expected to be released before the end of the week, and to pursue a multilateral dialogue that could finally open the key shipping lanes for the first time in months.