Putin and Saudi crown prince call for safe passage via Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

MOSCOW, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday in which they highlighted the need for safe passage via the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits, key global maritime trade routes, the Kremlin said. It also said the two leaders held a detailed exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East and emphasised that a political and diplomatic settlement remains the only viable path forward.