- Russian President Vladimir Putin told UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan he wants to discuss Iran-related tensions.
- The communication occurred during a Thursday telephone call initiated by Putin.
- Putin emphasised the need for coordination on Middle East regional developments.
- Both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and agreed to maintain close contact on security matters.
Moscow (Washington Insider Megazine) – 29 January 2026 – Russian President Vladimir Putin informed UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of his desire to discuss tensions involving Iran. The communication occurred during a telephone call on Thursday. Putin highlighted the need for coordination amid regional developments in the Middle East.
President Vladimir Putin told UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a Thursday phone call that he wants to discuss ongoing tensions surrounding Iran. Putin emphasised Russia's interest in Gulf-Arab perspectives on the situation. The leaders agreed to maintain close contact on security matters.
The Kremlin released a readout stating Putin initiated the conversation to exchange views on Middle East dynamics. He specifically mentioned Iran-related developments requiring diplomatic attention. Putin expressed appreciation for UAE's balanced regional approach.
Sheikh Mohamed reciprocated interest in consultations, noting UAE's stakeholder role in Persian Gulf stability. Both leaders reviewed bilateral economic ties alongside security topics. The call lasted 45 minutes, according to official statements.
Details of Putin-UAE Telephone Conversation
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin raised Iran tensions as priority item. Putin described recent escalations necessitating high-level dialogue. He proposed potential follow-up meetings through foreign ministry channels.
UAE's WAM news agency reported Sheikh Mohamed outlined Gulf Cooperation Council positions. He stressed de-escalation preferences while safeguarding navigation freedoms. Putin acknowledged UAE mediation experiences in regional conflicts.
The presidents discussed implementation of prior agreements from Abu Dhabi summits. Putin invited Sheikh Mohamed for state visit to Moscow in second quarter. Economic cooperation targets reached $7 billion trade volume last year.
Context of Iran-Related Regional Tensions
Recent US sanctions and military deployments prompted Putin's outreach. Iranian responses included naval exercises near Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states increased defensive postures amid uncertainty.
Putin referenced multilateral formats like Astana process for Syria stabilisation. He positioned Russia as coordinator between parties. UAE emphasised inclusive dialogue avoiding unilateral actions.
Kremlin readout noted shared concerns over energy market disruptions. Both leaders affirmed OPEC+ framework commitments. Putin praised UAE's humanitarian contributions to conflict zones.
Putin's Regional Diplomacy Strategy
Putin conducted similar calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier week. He seeks unified BRICS-Gulf positions on Iran matters. Russian diplomats activated channels in Tehran and Gulf capitals.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov scheduled Gulf tour including UAE stop. Putin directed preparation of security proposals for collective consideration. Moscow hosts Iran-Gulf dialogue track since 2023.
Putin highlighted Russia's mediation successes in Saudi-Iran rapprochement. UAE President credited Moscow's facilitation role in that breakthrough. Both affirmed non-interference principles in sovereign affairs.
UAE's Position on Iran Tensions
Sheikh Mohamed reiterated UAE's preference for negotiated settlements. He outlined recent engagements with Iranian leadership. UAE maintains open channels despite maritime boundary disputes.
WAM detailed UAE's economic stakes in regional calm. President noted $10 billion annual trade with Iran despite sanctions. Sheikh Mohamed advocated confidence-building measures across Gulf.
UAE hosted Abraham Accords implementation conference last month. Sheikh Mohamed positioned UAE as bridge between Eastern Mediterranean and Gulf. Putin welcomed potential trilateral economic formats.
Broader Middle East Developments Prompting Call
Thursday's conversation followed UN Security Council Iran briefing. IAEA reported compliance issues with enrichment activities. Gulf states expressed proliferation concerns publicly.
US President Trump's recent statements added urgency. Putin sought UAE assessment of Washington policy directions. Sheikh Mohamed provided Gulf consensus views.
Recent Houthi attacks on shipping drew Russian condemnation. Putin pledged support for anti-piracy patrols. UAE committed naval assets to collective security missions.
Bilateral Russia-UAE Relations Background
Presidents met during BRICS summit in Kazan last October. They signed 12 cooperation agreements covering energy and defence. Joint investment fund reached $3 billion capitalisation.
UAE purchased Russian Su-35 aircraft last year. Training programmes operate at Al Dhafra airbase. Space cooperation includes joint Mars mission planning.
Trade figures show UAE as Russia's largest Gulf partner. Putin thanked Sheikh Mohamed for sovereign wealth fund placements. Cultural exchanges feature Dubai Expo Russian pavilion.
Energy Market Coordination Discussions
Leaders reviewed oil production quotas under OPEC+ declarations. Putin confirmed Russia's compliance with January cuts. Sheikh Mohamed detailed UAE capacity expansions.
Both expressed commitment to market stability avoiding volatility. Putin proposed energy security dialogue incorporating Iran. UAE agreed to facilitate Gulf-Russia energy forums.
Natural gas cooperation targets LNG swap arrangements. Rosneft-ADNOC joint ventures produce 500,000 barrels daily equivalent. Putin directed acceleration of North Field developments.
Follow-up Mechanisms Established
Presidents instructed ministers to prepare joint working group on security. Putin proposed video conference format next week. Sheikh Mohamed offered Abu Dhabi hosting rights.
Kremlin announced special envoy for Middle East affairs deployment. UAE committed diplomatic support for Russian initiatives. Both affirmed readiness for emergency consultations.
Peskov confirmed transcription exchange for accuracy. WAM published Arabic translation of key points. International wires carried identical readouts.
International Reactions to Putin-UAE Exchange
Iranian Foreign Ministry welcomed Russian engagement. Tehran anticipates inclusive formats. Saudi state media covered call positively.
US State Department noted observation of Gulf-Russian contacts. White House spokesperson affirmed freedom of diplomatic manoeuvre. NATO spokesperson emphasised alliance consultations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry praised multilateral approaches. BRICS ambassadors scheduled coordination meeting Friday. UN Secretary General welcomed de-escalation signals.
Historical Context of Russia-UAE Security Dialogue
Partnership elevated to comprehensive strategic level in 2023. Putin visited Abu Dhabi twice since pandemic. Sheikh Mohamed hosted Kremlin Cup tennis tournament patronage.
Joint military exercises conducted in Caspian Sea last year. Intelligence sharing protocols cover terrorism threats. Putin awarded Sheikh Mohamed Order of St Andrew.
UAE joined EAEU free trade negotiations. Putin thanked humanitarian aid to Donbass region. Cultural centres operate in Dubai and Moscow.
Specific Iran Tension Aspects Raised
Putin mentioned Strait of Hormuz navigation incidents. He sought UAE maritime surveillance data. Sheikh Mohamed detailed recent vessel inspections.
Leaders discussed proxy activities in Yemen theatre. Putin offered mediation enhancements. UAE pledged reconstruction funding post-ceasefire.
Nuclear compliance constituted discussion item. Putin relayed recent IAEA technical talks outcomes. Sheikh Mohamed stressed non-proliferation commitments.
Gulf-Russian Coordination Frameworks
Caspian Economic Forum planned for June in Astrakhan. Putin invited GCC secretary general attendance. Sheikh Mohamed endorsed expanded participation.
Putin proposed Gulf-BRICS security summit. UAE expressed interest in hosting preparatory meetings. Both leaders affirmed anti-terrorist centre contributions.
Diplomatic academies initiated exchange programmes. Putin thanked UAE student contingents in Russian universities. Sheikh Mohamed praised Russian language institutes.
Media Coverage of Thursday Call
TASS and RIA Novosti published Kremlin readouts prominently. WAM featured front-page presidential conversation. Al Arabiya interviewed UAE analysts on significance.
CNN International noted timing amid US policy shifts. BBC Monitoring compiled bilingual transcripts. Reuters distributed global wire service.
Domestic Russian television aired Peskov briefing. UAE channels broadcast Sheikh Mohamed schedule updates. Social media amplified official statements rapidly.