Washington, D.C. [US], June 15 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin called to wish him a happy 79th birthday and to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Both leaders reportedly agreed that the war “should end.”
The call came ahead of Trump’s evening plans to attend a military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
“President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday, but more importantly, to talk about Iran, a country he knows very well,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The phone conversation, which lasted approximately one hour, focused primarily on the rising tensions in the Middle East. Trump noted that Putin is well-informed about Iranian affairs and expressed mutual concern about the conflict.
“The call lasted approximately one hour. He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end,” Trump stated, referencing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trump said they spent “much less time” discussing the Ukraine conflict during the call and indicated that topic would be revisited next week. He added that the two leaders briefly discussed a potential prisoner exchange, involving “large numbers of prisoners” being released immediately on both sides.
“We talked at length. Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine, but that will be for next week. He is doing the planned prisoner swaps—large numbers of prisoners are being exchanged, immediately, from both sides,” Trump wrote.
Putin reportedly briefed Trump on recent discussions with Iranian and Israeli leaders, reiterating Russia’s proposal for mutually acceptable solutions concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
This marks the fifth phone call between Trump and Putin since Trump took office and signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Russia, a notable departure from the hardline stance of former President Joe Biden.
While Biden united global allies to condemn Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Trump has maintained a friendlier rapport with Putin, often praising his strategic approach. Trump has also drawn criticism for his comments on Ukraine, including labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” over postponed elections during wartime.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the call and said, “Vladimir Putin condemned Israel’s military operation against Iran and expressed serious concern about a possible escalation of the conflict, which would have unpredictable consequences for the entire situation in the Middle East.”
Ushakov added that both leaders acknowledged the urgent need for diplomatic engagement and did not rule out a return to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
Meanwhile, the Israel-Iran conflict continued to escalate over the weekend. On Friday, June 13, Israel launched a large-scale airstrike on Iranian territory, targeting nuclear facilities. In response, Iran launched three waves of retaliatory missile attacks against targets inside Israel.
CNN reported that projectiles lit up the skies above Jerusalem late Saturday, as both nations exchanged another barrage of missiles.
According to the Israeli military and Iranian media, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out extended airstrikes targeting multiple regions in Iran. IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin stated the Israeli Air Force’s ongoing operation had lasted nearly 40 hours, hitting more than 150 strategic targets.
“IAF aircraft are completing a wave of strikes against military and strategic assets, nuclear program sites, and high-ranking figures in Iran’s terror leadership. These are significant targets at the very heart of Iran and its terrorist proxies,” Defrin said.
Israeli forces confirmed that active operations were underway in Tehran. Iranian state media reported that air defenses were activated in several cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad. Footage shared by state media showed Iranian air defenses intercepting incoming projectiles in Zanjan and Khorramabad.
Late Saturday, Iranian outlet IRNA reported a new barrage of missiles and drones had been launched toward Israel, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.
About The Author
