Putin, Saudi crown prince discuss safe passage through Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb

Putin, Saudi crown prince discuss reopening key waterways amid oil disruptions Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the need to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb during a phone call on Tuesday, the Kremlin said, as disruptions to the key waterways continue to affect regional oil flows and global trade.The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and stressed that a political and diplomatic settlement remained the only viable path forward, according to the Kremlin.They also "underscored the need for a swift cessation of hostilities" in Yemen amid the deteriorating military and political situation there.Kremlin stresses need to keep key waterways open"The importance of ensuring the safe and unimpeded passage of vessels through the region's international waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz, was emphasised," the Kremlin said, as quoted by Reuters.The two waterways are important routes for global energy shipments. With the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb routes disrupted by Iran and Iran-allied Houthi militants, Saudi Arabia has been forced to use Egypt's Suez Canal ...