Newsletters
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called for a rapid political and diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflict in the Middle East during a telephone conversation, the Kremlin said Wednesday.
“While exchanging views on the current situation in the Middle East region, the leaders spoke in favor of a swift cessation of hostilities and the resolution of the current acute conflict through political and diplomatic means,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
During the call, Putin also expressed gratitude to Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s assistance in evacuating Russian citizens from Iran.
He additionally thanked Baku for helping facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid from Russia to Iran through Azerbaijani territory.
The Kremlin said Azerbaijan’s support had been “effective” in organizing evacuation operations and aid deliveries amid the ongoing regional crisis.
Tensions in the Middle East have surged since the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
According to Iranian authorities, the attacks have killed more than 1,200 people, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
Tehran has also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since around March 1. The strategic waterway normally carries about 20 million barrels of oil shipments per day and roughly 20% of the global liquefied natural gas trade.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
