Former President Donald Trump recently disclosed that he turned down an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to mediate the ongoing conflict with Iran. Instead, Trump urged Putin to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The two leaders engaged in a private conversation on Wednesday, where Trump proposed connecting the resolution of the Iran war with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“He expressed interest in being part of the solution regarding Iran’s nuclear enrichment. I responded by saying, ‘I’d much prefer your involvement in ending the war with Ukraine,’” Trump recounted to reporters in the Oval Office.
Describing the rest of their discussion as “very good,” Trump mentioned that he encouraged Putin to contemplate a ceasefire with Ukraine.
Reports suggest that Putin responded positively to Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran, allowing more time for diplomatic negotiations.
This extension, lasting four weeks, has led to a U.S. naval blockade, which aims to pressure Tehran back to the negotiation table.
The Kremlin claims Putin offered a temporary truce with Ukraine for the annual celebration of the World War II victory over Nazi Germany on May 9.
A Russian spokesman says the call was ‘friendly, frank and businesslike’ and lasted more than an hour and a half.
Trump held a private call with Putin on Wednesday to discuss tying the end of the Iran war to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine
Putin reportedly praised Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further diplomatic discussions
Trump reportedly rejected Putin’s offer, instead demanding Iran hand the stockpile directly to the US, a sticking point that has stalled peace talks
The Kremlin claims Putin offered a temporary truce with Ukraine for the annual celebration of the World War II victory over Nazi Germany on May 9
During the 2024 campaign, Trump promised to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours; it’s now been 15 months.
His hot-and-cold relationship with Putin has devolved into public scolding and collapsed summits, with every ceasefire attempt unraveling and no deal in sight.
Russia has previously tried to play peacemaker in the Middle East conflict by offering to house Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
Trump reportedly rejected Putin’s offer, instead demanding Iran hand the stockpile directly to the US, a sticking point that has stalled peace talks.
Tehran, meanwhile, is demanding the end of all US economic sanctions as well as full control over taxing oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
During a meeting with key staffers in the Situation Room Monday, Trump favored an extended blockade over either a continuation of the strikes or walking away from Iran entirely, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The President believes the economic blockade represents the least risky of the options presented to him, officials said.
An official said that the blockade has decimated the Iranian economy and keeping it from being able to properly store oil.
The President believes the economic blockade represents the least risky of the options presented to him, officials said
Trump’s four-week long extension of the ceasefire with Tehran has also resulted in a US naval blockade aimed at trying to force the regime back to the negotiating table
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‘The President will only accept a deal that protects the national security of our country,’ White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement.
She added that Operation Epic Fury has already met all of Trump’s military objectives and that ‘thanks to the successful blockade of Iranian ports, the United States has maximum leverage over the regime.’
Trump has stopped short of strikes since an April 7 ceasefire was reached, though gas prices remain high and Trump’s poll numbers remain on the wane.
However, peace talks shortly after the lull in fighting have yet to produce a deal and planned talks with Vice President JD Vance for this past weekend were canceled before they could even get started.
