Gulf states
Background
The term “Gulf states” is used for a set of countries around the Persian Gulf in Western Asia. In the most common usage, it refers to the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. In a broader geographic sense, it can also include Iraq as one of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.
These states occupy a central position in regional politics, energy markets, and international transport routes. Their location along the Persian Gulf gives them importance in maritime trade, aviation, and the security environment of the Middle East. In Russian foreign affairs, the term appears in relation to diplomacy with regional leaders and to practical concerns affecting Russian citizens traveling through Gulf aviation hubs.
The Gulf region has long been associated with strategic competition, especially because of its proximity to conflict zones and its role in global oil and gas markets. Recent Russian government messaging has linked travel to Gulf states with regional hostilities, warning of possible disruptions such as canceled connecting flights and safety risks. The area also remains relevant in broader diplomacy, including efforts by Russia to engage regional leaders on major international crises and to discuss issues affecting global energy and security.
Timeline
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned citizens against travel to Gulf states because ongoing regional hostilities created safety risks there.
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel AbroadThe ministry said that connecting flights through Gulf states could be cancelled amid the regional hostilities.
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel AbroadThe article said Gulf states were affected by Venezuela’s impact on global oil markets.
Remarks by Yuri Ushakov, Assistant to the President of Russia, Following a Telephone Conversation Between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump
Documents
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel Abroad
Russia's Foreign Ministry warned citizens against travel to Gulf states amid ongoing regional hostilities, citing risks of cancelled connecting flights and personal safety concerns.
Remarks by Yuri Ushakov, Assistant to the President of Russia, Following a Telephone Conversation Between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump
Putin and Trump held an hour-long call covering the Iran conflict, Ukraine ceasefire prospects, and Venezuela's impact on global oil markets, their first since December 2025.