Moscow, Russia – March 2, 2026 – Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a series of telephone conversations with key Arab leaders in the Middle East on Monday, expressing grave concern over the escalating conflict following joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began on February 28, 2026. In separate discussions with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, Putin described the American-Israeli actions as an “unprecedented” and “tragic” act of aggression against a sovereign state, while offering Russia’s assistance in de-escalation efforts and conveying messages to Tehran.
According to an official Kremlin readout, Putin spoke first with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He characterized the US-Israeli campaign—codenamed Operation Epic Fury—as a violation of fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter. “However, the existing groundwork was disrupted as a result of an unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign state -- a UN member -- in violation of fundamental principles of international law,” the statement read.
Putin referenced Russia’s previous involvement in facilitating US-Iran negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program, noting that the UAE had also played an active mediating role in those efforts. He lamented that the diplomatic progress had been undermined by the military strikes, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials on the opening day.
UAE President Al Nahyan, in response, highlighted the direct impact of Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks on his country. He stressed that Iranian strikes had caused damage within UAE territory and posed risks to civilians, despite the fact that the UAE has not served as a launchpad for operations against Iran. “Such strikes are being carried out despite the fact that the territory of the UAE is not used as a staging ground for attacks on Iran and are therefore unjustified,” the Kremlin statement quoted Al Nahyan as saying.
Putin assured the Emirati leader that Russia was prepared to relay these concerns to Tehran and to provide any necessary assistance to stabilize the regional situation.
In a subsequent call with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, both leaders voiced mutual alarm over the potential for the conflict to widen and draw in additional countries. The Kremlin readout noted that “hope was expressed that Iranian retaliatory actions would not harm civilians and civilian infrastructure of neighboring countries, including facilities in the tourism and transport sectors.”
During talks with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the discussion focused on the broader security implications for Arab states with which Russia maintains close ties. Putin underscored the particular threats posed to these nations by the current trajectory of events and reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to leverage all available channels to help restore calm.
Across the conversations, the leaders consistently emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and a swift return to political and diplomatic processes. The Kremlin statements consistently framed Russia’s position as one of active mediation and concern for regional stability, reflecting Moscow’s longstanding diplomatic and economic relationships across the Middle East.
The calls come amid a rapidly intensifying multi-front war now in its fifth day. The US-Israeli operation has targeted Iranian nuclear-related sites, ballistic missile infrastructure, air defenses, naval assets, and leadership compounds, resulting in at least 555 reported deaths according to the Iranian Red Crescent. Iran has responded with waves of retaliatory strikes on US military bases in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other locations, as well as on Israeli territory. Civilian casualties have been reported in multiple countries, including from Iranian missile impacts and defensive intercepts.
Russian diplomacy in the crisis builds on its historical role as a mediator in Middle East affairs, including previous involvement in nuclear talks and its military presence in Syria. Moscow has maintained balanced relations with Iran—through arms sales, energy cooperation, and shared opposition to Western sanctions—while also cultivating strong ties with Gulf Arab states through trade, investment, and security dialogues.
The Kremlin’s outreach coincides with similar diplomatic initiatives from other powers. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday expressed sorrow over civilian suffering in Iran and pledged intensified efforts toward a ceasefire. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conducted a flurry of calls with regional leaders, condemned attacks on Gulf states, and convened India’s Cabinet Committee on Security to address risks to its large expatriate community in the region.
As Operation Epic Fury continues—projected by US President Donald Trump to last four to five weeks or longer—Russia’s diplomatic engagements signal an intent to position itself as a potential broker amid mounting international calls to prevent a wider regional conflagration. With oil markets volatile, airspace disrupted, and civilian infrastructure at risk, the coming days will test whether multilateral diplomacy can gain traction before the conflict inflicts further irreversible damage.
