U.S. President Donald Trump has urged an end to the escalating Israel-Iran war, calling the conflict “unnecessary” and pressing for peace during a one-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said, “This war in Israel-Iran should end,” adding that he also told Putin, “his war should also end,” referring to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This marks Trump’s first direct call for an end to hostilities between Israel and Iran, following days of intensified attacks. Israel began striking Iranian territory late Thursday U.S. time, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory missile volleys that reportedly killed at least three people in Israel. Iranian officials claim dozens of civilians have died in Israeli airstrikes.
The sharp escalation has raised concerns across the region, already destabilized by the ongoing Israel-Gaza war since October 2023. Trump stated that most of the conversation with Putin focused on Middle East tensions, with only brief mentions of the Ukraine war. However, he hinted at possible follow-up discussions on Ukraine in the coming days.
The Kremlin also confirmed the call, citing discussions on both Ukraine and the broader Middle East situation.
Trump, who campaigned on a promise to end global conflicts, faces growing scrutiny nearly five months into his second term, with wars continuing in Gaza, Ukraine, and now Iran. His latest remarks reflect a shift toward more active diplomatic engagement amid rising geopolitical volatility.
The statement adds to Trump’s evolving foreign policy stance as he seeks to position himself as a peace broker amid renewed global instability.