By Ginika Igboke
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on March 9 to discuss the war surrounding Iran and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the hour-long conversation between the two leaders was “businesslike, open, and constructive.”
Putin reportedly outlined several ideas for quickly resolving the conflict around Iran through political and diplomatic channels. Ushakov said the Russian leader referenced his recent contacts with leaders of Gulf states and Iran’s president while discussing possible solutions.
According to the Kremlin aide, Trump shared his assessment of the situation “in the context of the ongoing U.S.–Israel operation” against Iran, and the two leaders held what Ushakov described as a detailed exchange of views on the issue.
Ukraine War Also Discussed
The leaders also addressed the war in Ukraine. Putin told Trump that Russian forces were advancing successfully on the battlefield and suggested the progress should encourage Kyiv to pursue negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Trump reiterated his interest in ending the war through a cease-fire followed by a long-term settlement, according to the Kremlin’s account of the call.
The two presidents also briefly discussed the situation in Venezuela, particularly in relation to global oil markets, and indicated they were willing to maintain regular communication going forward.
Trump Calls Conversation ‘Very Good’
Trump later told reporters that he had “a very good call” with Putin.
He said Putin had expressed interest in helping address the Iran conflict, but Trump suggested Russia should focus instead on ending its own war in Ukraine.
“We were talking about Ukraine, which is just a never-ending fight,” Trump said, adding that tensions remain high between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“We obviously talked about the Middle East, and he just wants to be helpful. I said, ‘You could be more helpful by getting the Ukraine-Russia war over with.’”
Ukraine Signals Readiness for Talks
Zelenskyy said in a statement on March 9 that Ukraine is prepared for peace negotiations “at any moment” if the format is realistic and could lead to an end to the war.
He added that a meeting planned for this week had been postponed at the request of the United States because partners are currently focused on the escalating conflict with Iran.
Rising Tensions in the Middle East
The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28 after nuclear negotiations failed. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, while the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched strikes against Israel.
The escalating conflict has disrupted global energy markets, with many oil tankers avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. The disruption has pushed oil prices higher amid concerns about supply.
Trump warned that U.S. forces would intensify strikes under Operation Epic Fury if Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatens commercial shipping in the strait with missiles or drones.
“I will not allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and attempt to stop the globe’s oil supply,” Trump said. “If Iran does anything to block the strait, they’ll get hit at a much, much harder level.”
Original article
Comments