() Russian President Vladimir Putin called President Donald Trump today to congratulate him on his birthday, the Kremlin says in a statement, adding that the conversation turned to the “dangerous escalation” in the Middle East. 

The phone call lasted about 50 minutes. 

Trump, according to the Kremlin, acknowledged the effectiveness of Israel’s strikes on targets in Iran. 

Both leaders did not rule out a return to the negotiating track on the Iranian nuclear program, with the Kremlin saying Trump noted the team of American negotiators is ready to resume work with Iranian representatives. 

A senior White House official tells , “Whatever happens today cannot be prevented. But we have the ability to negotiate a successful, peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing.”

“The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program,” the official added.

Trump and Putin also discussed Russia’s willingness to continue negotiations with the Ukrainians.