President Trump had a strong response to Vladimir Putin after the Russian President offered to help mediate the Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump said Putin called him and offered to help mediate the war between Israel and Iran.
“Vladimir called me up. He said ‘Can I help you with Iran?'” Trump said.
Trump went on to say he rejected the offer and told Putin to focus on resolving the conflict between his own country and Ukraine, which has been ongoing since Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022.
“I said, ‘No, I don’t need help with Iran. I need help with you,’ Trump said.
Trump continued by emphasizing his hope that the negotiation process would continue and a peace deal would be reached between Russia and Ukraine.
“I hope we’re going to be getting a deal done with Russia,” Trump said. “It’s a shame… 6,500 soldiers died last week.”
Trump previously said Putin had offered to help mediate a resolution in the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump reportedly told Putin to “mediate your own” war before getting involved in the resolution of the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Although Trump has been critical of Putin’s reluctance to negotiate, a date for a new round of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives is expected to be agreed upon this week.
Trump’s comments aboard Air Force One came three days after he ordered strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Putin reportedly discussed his communications with leaders from Israel and Iran with Trump, and expressed his continued willingness to reach an acceptable resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.