Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a 50-minute phone call on Saturday, a discussion that largely centered on the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, alongside a brief mention of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin reported that during the call, President Putin condemned Israel's military operation against Iran and articulated grave concerns regarding the potential for further escalation, highlighting its unpredictable and far-reaching consequences for the entire Middle East region.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov elaborated on Putin's stance, stating that the Russian leader expressed serious apprehension about the conflict's possible intensification. Putin also reportedly briefed President Trump on his recent discussions with the leaders of Israel and Iran, reiterating Russia's commitment to finding mutually acceptable resolutions concerning Iran's burgeoning nuclear program. While the focus was heavily on the Middle East, Putin also conveyed to Trump that Moscow remained prepared to continue negotiations with Ukraine.

On his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump confirmed the call, noting that President Putin had called to wish him a Happy Birthday, but more importantly, to discuss Iran. Trump stated, “We talked at length.” He added that “Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine, but that will be for next week.” Trump also confirmed that large-scale prisoner exchanges were actively underway between Russia and Ukraine. He concluded his post by stating, “He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end.” The call reportedly lasted approximately one hour.

The diplomatic exchange occurred amidst a significant escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran. Following Israel’s attack on its nuclear sites on Friday, which resulted in the deaths of senior army officers and nuclear scientists, Iran retaliated. Medics reported at least three fatalities and dozens of injuries in Israel due to the Iranian response. Concurrently, Iranian state television reported a strike on a Tehran neighborhood on Saturday, claiming 60 lives, including 20 children. Iranian missiles were observed entering Israeli airspace on Saturday evening, intensifying the regional crisis.

In response to the escalating situation, and following Tehran's warning that regional bases of the UK and other allies would be targeted if they assisted in defending Israel, the UK dispatched RAF jets and military assets to the Middle East. Meanwhile, the latest round of US-Iran nuclear talks, which had been scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, will not proceed, as confirmed by a senior US administration official to NBC News. Despite the cancellation, the official stressed that the US is “not shutting the door to future discussions” and remains “committed to talks,” expressing hope that “the Iranians will come to the table soon.”