MOSCOW, March 2 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia was in constant contact with the Iranian leadership about what it called the "outright aggression" against Tehran. Kremlin spokesman
Putin offers to use links to Iran to help restore Middle East calm
Putin's Diplomatic Efforts Amid Middle East Tensions
By Andrew Osborn and Dmitry Antonov
Putin's Outreach to Gulf Leaders
MOSCOW, March 2 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone to leaders of four Arab Gulf states on Monday, offering to use Moscow's ties to Iran to try to help restore calm to the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes, which he condemned.
In a series of calls with the leaders of the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Putin criticised the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which the Kremlin described as "unprovoked aggression".
Moscow's Relationship with Iran
Earlier, the Kremlin said that Moscow remained in constant contact with the Iranian leadership.
Moscow sees its strategic partnership with Iran as central to maintaining its remaining clout in the Middle East, where its influence took a hit when their mutual ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled 15 months ago.
Geopolitical Implications for Russia
Although Russia stands to benefit from higher oil prices and may welcome Washington's focus shifting away from Ukraine, the U.S.-Israeli air war also runs counter to Moscow's desire for a multilateral world order in which the U.S. is not dominant.
Impact on Gulf States and Regional Stability
Arab states in the Gulf, all close U.S. allies, have come under Iranian drone and missile attacks since the United States and Israel launched their air strikes on Iran on Saturday.
According to the Kremlin readout of Putin's call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Russian leader offered to act as a conduit by conveying the UAE's complaints about being attacked to Tehran.
During the call, "both sides emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the political and diplomatic process," the Kremlin added.
Concerns Over Conflict Escalation
In Putin's call with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Kremlin said both leaders had spoken of their concern about the conflict widening and the risk of third countries becoming involved. Putin told Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa that Russia was ready to do all it could to stabilise the situation in the region.
In a final call, the Kremlin said Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had told Putin that Russia could play a stabilising role given its friendly ties with both Iran and Gulf countries. Separately, Russia's foreign minister also spoke to his Saudi counterpart.
Russia's Position on Recent Events
Putin on Sunday condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a "cynical" murder. The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused the U.S. and Israel of plunging the Middle East "into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation".
Balancing Relations with the U.S.
But Moscow is also keen not to alienate the administration of President Donald Trump as Washington brokers peace talks on Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow wanted those talks to continue.
Russia's Interests in Ongoing Negotiations
"We have our own interests that we must protect, and it is in our interests to continue these negotiations (on Ukraine)," Peskov said.
(Reporting by Andrew Osborn and Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Peter Graff and Bill Berkrot)
