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Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East during phone calls with the leaders of several Gulf states on Monday as the war triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran spreads throughout the region.
Retaliatory strikes from Iran have hit targets across the Gulf, forcing authorities to close airspace and stalling traffic at big hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Putin on Monday held calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and spoke with the leaders of the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.
In a call with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both leaders “emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the political and diplomatic process,” the Kremlin said in a readout.
During the call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, both leaders shared concerns about “the risks of the conflict’s expansion and the danger of third countries being drawn into it,” the Kremlin said.
The Russian leader also said he was ready to convey the UAE’s concerns about Iranian retaliation strikes to Tehran and to help stabilise the situation in the region.
The Russian foreign ministry earlier slammed any attacks on civilian targets, whether in Iran or Arab countries in the conflict.
Facing isolation from the West after sending troops to Ukraine, Putin has sought to strengthen partnerships in the Middle East, maintaining close relations both with Iran and the Gulf monarchies.
