Putin, UAE president voice deep concern over Middle East escalation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed serious concern Tuesday over the escalating situation in the Middle East, according to a statement from the Kremlin. The two leaders held a telephone conversation in which they emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities and intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Call for diplomatic solution

Putin and Sheikh Mohammed underscored the importance of reaching a settlement that respects the legitimate interests of all regional states—a principle Russia has traditionally upheld in its friendly and mutually beneficial relations with countries across the region. The Kremlin statement noted that the two leaders viewed their bilateral cooperation with “particular satisfaction,” highlighting the successful development of ties across multiple sectors.

Regional conflict continues to widen

The call comes as hostilities persist following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran launched Feb. 28, which has claimed more than 1,340 lives, including Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting American military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.