- 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.
