Putin, trump discuss Middle East, Ukraine Tensions in Call

⁣ ⁣Updated June 14, 2025
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Russian⁢ President Vladimir⁤ Putin and ⁤former U.S. President Donald Trump ⁢spoke Saturday about the Middle East conflict and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The call addressed the Iranian nuclear ‍program and regional⁢ stability.

Trump, via his Truth Social platform, stated ‍the conversation largely ⁣centered on Israel’s strikes against Iran’s nuclear capabilities and Iran’s subsequent⁣ retaliation. He also said he pressed Putin to resolve⁣ the Russia-Ukraine war.

“He feels, as ⁣do I, this war in Israel-Iran should ⁢end, to ‌which‍ I explained, his war should ​also end,” Trump said, noting the call lasted about ⁤an hour. The Middle East situation remains a ‌key concern for both leaders.

Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s⁣ foreign affairs ⁣adviser, said Putin updated Trump on recent discussions with Iranian ‍and Israeli leaders. Putin‍ reiterated Russia’s proposal for finding mutually ⁣agreeable solutions regarding Iran’s​ nuclear ambitions.

“Vladimir Putin, having condemned the military operation against Iran, expressed serious concern about ‍the possible escalation of the conflict,” Ushakov told reporters, adding that escalating tensions between Israel and Iran could have “unpredictable consequences” for the ⁣region.

putin emphasized Russia’s willingness to mediate and highlighted past proposals for U.S.-Iran negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, the relationship between Russia and Iran has grown closer. U.S.​ intelligence indicates Tehran has provided Moscow with drones, ballistic missiles, and other support.

According to ⁤Ushakov, Trump described the regional situation as “very alarming” but ⁣acknowledged the “effectiveness” of Israel’s strikes in Iran.

Ushakov said that both leaders have not‍ ruled out a return to ​negotiations on​ the iranian nuclear ‍program.

A meeting​ in Oman between Trump’s special envoy Steve ‍Witkoff and Iranian officials,‍ planned before ​Israel’s⁤ strikes, was canceled, according to Oman’s Foreign​ Minister Badr‌ al-Busaidi.

Putin and Trump⁤ also discussed the prisoner exchange between ​Russia and Ukraine, which occurred⁢ Saturday following talks in istanbul.

“Our ⁢president noted that‍ an exchange of prisoners of war is taking place, including seriously ‍wounded and prisoners of war under 25 years of age,” ‍Ushakov said, adding Russia is ready to continue negotiations with Ukraine.

Trump mentioned that Putin wished⁣ him a happy 79th birthday.

What’s next

The situation ​remains fluid, with potential for further diplomatic ⁢efforts to de-escalate tensions in‍ both the Middle East and Ukraine.