Trump says Putin called to wish him a happy birthday ‒ and talk about Iran
Trump, who turns 79 on June 14, said: 'President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday, but to more importantly, talk about Iran.'
WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin called to wish him a happy birthday and talk about the war between Israel and Iran, which Trump said "should end."
Trump relayed his morning phone call with Putin in a June 14 post on Truth Social. The conversation occurred before Trump is set to mark his 79th birthday in the evening by attending a military parade on the streets of Washington D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
"President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday, but to more importantly, talk about Iran, a country he knows very well. We talked at length," Trump said in the post.
Trump said Putin "feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end."
Nevertheless, Trump said he and Putin spent "much less time" talking about Russia's war in Ukraine during the approximately one-hour call. He said that topic "will be for next week."
Trump has embraced a friendly relationship with Putin, a stark departure from former President Joe Biden who helped rally much of the world to condemn the Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump has blamed both Putin, long considered a U.S. adversary, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their countries' war.
In response to Israel's June 13 airstrikes on Iran targeting nuclear sites, Iran launched three retaliatory waves of missiles at targets in Israel as Israelis rode out the attacks in bomb shelters and world leaders discussed the deepening conflict.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the call between the world leaders, telling reporters, "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."
According to Ushakov, Trump described events in the Middle East as "very alarming." The two leaders also said they do not rule out a return to the negotiating track on Iran's nuclear program, Ushakov said.
Trump told Reuters on June 13 his administration knew about Israel's plans to attack Iran beforehand. He said he gave Iran a 60-day deadline to agree to a revised nuclear deal with the U.S. After a deal was not reached, Israel attacked on the 61st day.
"We knew everything, and I tried to save Iran humiliation and death. I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out," Trump said. "They can still work out a deal, however, it’s not too late."
Contributing: Reuters
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