After the outbreak of the tensions in the Middle East caused by United States and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets and the ensuing counteractions of Iranian retaliation, Russia has immediately played the role of a mediating force.<\/p>\n
Russian President Vladimir Putin<\/a> had a series of top-tier phone calls with the leaders of the Gulf states, in an attempt to relieve the situation and prevent the development of the further regional conflict, which would lead to some unpredictable consequences on the energy markets and global stability.<\/p>\n The President held meetings with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain<\/a>, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman<\/a> of Saudi Arabia, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani<\/a> of Qatar<\/a> and President Mohamed bin Zayed<\/a> Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates<\/a>.<\/p>\n These synchronized diplomatic liaisons highlight the growing involvement of Moscow in the Gulf countries at a time of deep uncertainty in the region.<\/p>\n In a conference with the Bahraini leadership that is<\/a> now the chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council<\/a>, the president Putin<\/a> and King Hamad shared their views regarding what they described as an unprecedented escalation around Iran<\/a>. The urgent need of a ceasefire, and the reestablishment of the political and diplomatic lines were emphasized by both sides to prevent the further worsening of the crisis into a more extensive conflict.<\/p>\n Russia warned that further escalation would hurt the security of some Arab countries that Moscow has had long-standing relations. President Putin<\/a> reiterated his willingness to help in stabilizing the region using his entire diplomatic tools.<\/p>\n The same was communicated in the interview of President Putin with Crown Prince Mohammed bin. The leaders were concerned with the real threat of the conflict spreading across the Middle East, and that only political and diplomatic means would help prevent disastrous outcomes. The Saudi elite has suggested that Russia might be a positive and stabilising force because of its practical relations with Iran<\/a> and Gulf countries.<\/p>\n During the conversation with the Emir of Qatar<\/a> Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the leaders focused on the humanitarian and geopolitical effects of the crisis. The two sides were also concerned about the fact that further escalation and the implication of other states could occur.<\/p>\n The Qatari leadership reiterated that it was critical to make sure that the Iranian retaliation did not destroy civilian infrastructure in the neighbouring states like transport hubs and tourism<\/a> facilities. The Emir was also appreciative of regional support and reiterated the primacy of cooperation with Russia.<\/p>\n In the interview with the president of the UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan<\/a>, President Putin also mentioned the issue of the direct effects of Iranian retaliation on the Emirati land. The UAE leader observed that attacks by strikes had caused harm and instilled fear among civilians despite the fact that the nation was not being used as a base in attacking Iran.<\/p>\n President Putin said that Russia was ready to relay Emirati interests to Tehran, and help to stabilise the situation. He further thanked the UAE leadership that supported Russian citizens in the country, a large number of whom were also tourists affected by the current crisis.<\/p>\n The chain of diplomatic calls is<\/a> indicative of a synchronized Russian initiative to prevent the further worsening of the situation in the Middle East. Moscow pointed out that the earlier diplomatic preparations that sought to eliminate the tension in the nuclear programme of Iran had been destroyed by the military build up.<\/p>\n The strategy of Russia underlines its efforts to become a mediator who<\/a> can allow keeping the channels of communication between conflicting parties open. Moscow, unlike some other world leaders, has relations with Iran, Israel<\/a> and the Gulf monarchies at the same time and thus it obtains a special diplomatic status.<\/p>\n The outreach of Russia also follows the general strategic interests such as stability in the region and safeguarding energy flows which are crucial in the global economy<\/a>.<\/p>\n