Putin calls up Trump, discusses Middle East tensions, extends birthday wishes

President Vladimir Putin of Russia held a 50-minute phone call with Donald Trump yesterday, warning that the conflict between Israel and Iran risked spiralling out of control, according to a top Kremlin aide.

It was the fourth call between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House, reflecting efforts to reset strained US-Russia relations after the Biden era.

The Kremlin said the "dangerous escalation in the Middle East" dominated the conversation, which took place a day after Israel launched a major aerial assault on Iran. Tehran responded with strikes on Israeli cities, prompting fears of a regional war.

Putin strongly condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a violation of the UN Charter and international law. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin briefed Trump on separate calls he had with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. In both conversations, Putin criticised Israel’s missile barrage and expressed readiness to mediate and de-escalate the situation.

Trump confirmed the call in a social media post, saying the two had “talked at length” about the crisis. “He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end,” Trump wrote. “To which I explained, his war should also end.” Trump added that the call was initially made by Putin to “very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday.”

Despite earlier praising Israel’s offensive as “excellent,” Trump acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Ushakov said both leaders found the conflict “very alarming” and did not rule out renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. Talks between US and Iranian officials, scheduled to take place in Oman today, were cancelled due to the ongoing violence.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, had been set to lead the US delegation in Oman for what would have been the sixth round of discussions. Omani foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi confirmed the meeting was scrapped, citing the deteriorating regional situation.

The Trump-Putin call also touched on the war in Ukraine. Ushakov said Moscow remained open to continuing direct talks with Kyiv after June 22, following a round of prisoner exchanges agreed during earlier negotiations in Istanbul. Russia and Ukraine resumed formal dialogue last month after a three-year break, reportedly at Trump’s urging.

Middle East