World NewsNewsSeptember 23, 2026
Russia and Saudi Arabia Call for Safe Passage Through Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for safe and unrestricted maritime passage through both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb during a phone conversation. They also discussed the deteriorating situation in Yemen and called for a political and diplomatic solution.
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Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are two of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Disruption at both simultaneously threatens oil and LNG supplies, container shipping and global trade routes connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Diplomatic efforts will focus on protecting commercial shipping and limiting further escalation in Yemen and around Hormuz. Energy markets will watch whether maritime traffic continues recovering and whether Saudi Arabia can normalize its export routes.
September: Regional attacks disrupt major shipping and energy routes
Sep 22: Putin and Mohammed bin Salman discuss maritime security
Sep 23: International focus intensifies on keeping both chokepoints open
Next: Watch shipping flows, Yemen diplomacy and Gulf security.
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1. reuters.comView Original
