The two leaders held a phone conversation as tensions continued to rise following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting a retaliatory barrage of ballistic missiles and drones from Iran.

Posting on social media, Trump said he and Putin spoke for approximately an hour and shared the view that the war between Israel and Iran must be brought to an end. He added that during the conversation, he also urged the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine, highlighting the need for broader global de-escalation.

The conflict between Israel and Iran intensified after Israeli forces launched what they described as “pre-emptive strikes” against Iranian targets, including oil depots and the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. Iran’s response involved a wave of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, with at least eight fatalities reported in Israel so far.

Amid the growing crisis, international concern has mounted. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres earlier called for an immediate halt to the bombardments and missile strikes, urging all parties to embrace diplomacy.

“This is the moment to de-escalate, to stop the bombardments and missile strikes and allow peace and diplomacy to prevail,” said Guterres.

Iran has since withdrawn from scheduled talks with the United States in Oman, accusing Washington of being the “biggest supporter of the aggressor”. The cancellation further dims hopes for a swift return to negotiations.

--Sherwin Bryce-Pease/SABC--