Moscow (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed Gulf security, Yemen and the need to keep key international waterways open during a phone call on Tuesday, according to the Kremlin.
The two leaders exchanged views on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and agreed that a political and diplomatic settlement remained the only viable path toward resolving regional conflicts.
Putin and the Saudi crown prince also stressed the need for a swift cessation of hostilities in Yemen, where the political and security situation has continued to worsen.
The call came as tensions involving Iran and the United States remained high, with Washington signaling that diplomatic contacts could still take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was open to meeting Iranian officials during the UNGA session, although no meeting had been scheduled so far.
“We’re open to that,” Rubio said in an interview with NBC’s Today show, adding that Washington would consider such a meeting if it could contribute to a positive outcome.
Rubio reiterated that the US objective was to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Tehran has reportedly conveyed a proposal through mediators offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington takes initial measures to reduce military pressure.
Japan’s Kyodo News cited an unnamed Iranian official as saying that the proposal had already been communicated to the US and included a call for renewed negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to hostilities between the two countries.
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The official, however, ruled out a meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week.
The official said there was still a possibility of reaching an agreement but stressed that Washington would need to demonstrate “seriousness and commitment” for diplomacy to move forward.
