Moscow/Washington, June 15: Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a nearly hour-long phone conversation on Saturday to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to official statements from both governments.
Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, said the bulk of the conversation focused on Israel’s recent airstrikes aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks. “He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end,” Trump said, referring to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the Russian leader had briefed Trump on recent talks with Israeli and Iranian leaders and reiterated Moscow’s willingness to act as a mediator. “Vladimir Putin, having condemned the military operation against Iran, expressed serious concern about the possible escalation of the conflict,” Ushakov said, warning of “unpredictable consequences” for the Middle East.
The leaders did not rule out a potential return to negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme. Putin also highlighted Russia’s previous proposals aimed at achieving “mutually acceptable agreements” during U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, had been scheduled to travel to Oman on Sunday for a sixth round of talks with Iranian officials, but the meeting was cancelled after Israel launched strikes on Friday, Oman’s foreign minister confirmed.
The call also touched on Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump said he urged Putin to end the conflict, while Ushakov noted the continued exchange of prisoners of war, including seriously wounded soldiers and those under 25 years of age. The latest swap took place on Saturday under an agreement brokered during talks in Istanbul earlier this month.
Russia’s relationship with Iran has grown significantly since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Tehran reportedly supplying drones and ballistic missiles to Moscow, according to U.S. intelligence.
Despite the tense geopolitical backdrop, the leaders exchanged pleasantries. Putin wished Trump a happy 79th birthday during the call, Ushakov added.
