Putin Condemns Israeli Assault on Iran in Call with Trump
In a significant 50-minute telephone conversation on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin sharply criticized recent Israeli airstrikes against Iran, warning of the potential for dangerous escalation in West Asia. The Kremlin confirmed Putin voiced deep concerns over the growing tensions, highlighting the risk of unpredictable consequences in the volatile region.
Escalation Risks and Regional Instability
Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Putin condemned the Israeli military operation targeting Iran and emphasized the serious alarm over possible conflict escalation. He stressed that such developments could destabilize the entire West Asian geopolitical landscape.
Echoing this apprehension, US President Donald Trump also expressed alarm about the situation’s gravity during the call. Despite heightened tensions, both leaders agreed there remains a window to revive negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic efforts amid conflict threats.
Ukraine Talks and Birthday Wishes
The conversation also covered the war in Ukraine. Putin conveyed Moscow’s willingness to resume dialogue with Kyiv after June 22, signaling a potential thaw in hostilities. Meanwhile, Trump reaffirmed his desire for a prompt resolution to the conflict that has gripped Eastern Europe for months.
As a personal moment amidst high-stakes diplomacy, Putin extended congratulations to Trump on his 79th birthday.
Heightened Tensions Between Israel and Iran
Simultaneously, Israel issued stark threats to strike “every target of the ayatollah regime” in Iran following its unprecedented aerial bombing campaign launched on Friday. The strikes hit several military and nuclear sites, reportedly killing dozens including senior military commanders and civilians. This operation has severely disrupted plans for a new round of Iran-US nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday.
In retaliation, Iran launched numerous drone and missile attacks targeting Israeli territory overnight. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that continued Israeli aggression would provoke an even stronger response from Iran’s armed forces.
Diplomatic Fallout
Pezeshkian also condemned the United States for what he termed Washington’s duplicity—supporting Israel militarily while simultaneously engaging in nuclear negotiations with Iran. The nuclear talks, mediated by Oman, were called off abruptly, marked as casualties of the surging conflict.
Looking Ahead
As rhetoric intensifies and military actions escalate, the risk of broader instability in West Asia looms large. The dialogue between Putin and Trump underscores the international community’s anxious watch over the region’s next moves, with diplomatic backchannels attempting to prevent further escalation.
Key figures:
- Putin-Trump phone call lasted 50 minutes
- Israeli strikes killed dozens including senior commanders
- Potential resumption of Iran-US nuclear talks remains uncertain
- Putin congratulated Trump on his 79th birthday
