Putin, Trump Discuss Israel-Iran Conflict, Urge De-escalation

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held an hour-long phone call focused primarily on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with both leaders agreeing that the hostilities should end. Putin condemned Israel's military strikes on Iran and expressed serious concern about the potential for the conflict to escalate with unpredictable consequences for the Middle East. The call also touched on Russia's diplomatic efforts, including mediation attempts and ongoing negotiations related to Iran's nuclear program, which have been stalled due to recent hostilities. In addition to Middle East tensions, Trump and Putin briefly discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, including recent prisoner swaps. The call coincided with Putin wishing Trump a happy 79th birthday. Separately, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Putin also discussed the Israel-Iran conflict and regional stability, jointly urging restraint to prevent further instability.