Putin, Saudi Crown Prince Urge Swift Passage Through Key Waterways

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed ensuring safe passage through key waterways during a phone call on Tuesday, according to the Kremlin.

The Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are crucial routes for global energy shipments. Disruptions have led Saudi Arabia to use Egypt's Suez Canal to export oil.

US President Donald Trump called off strikes against Houthi militants at the last minute on Sunday, after troops had already loaded bombs onto planes.

Saudi crude oil exports rose 3.3% in July to 4.125 million barrels per day, their highest level since March, according to Joint Organizations Data Initiative data.