Overview
- The Kremlin says Vladimir Putin is in close contact with leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain after strikes hit energy and civilian sites across the Gulf.
- Putin has pledged to convey Gulf leaders' concerns directly to Tehran and to seek even a modest easing of tensions, according to spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
- Moscow blames the escalation on U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran and describes it as a violation of international law, while stating that consultations with Gulf partners will continue.
- UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed told Putin Iranian retaliation damaged the Emirates and threatened civilians, which he called unjustified, and Putin agreed to pass those messages and assist Russian nationals in the country.
- Reported impacts include closure of Saudi Arabia’s largest domestic refinery, a fire at Fujairah in the UAE and strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan that halted LNG production, along with regional airspace disruptions and rising Brent crude.