In a pointed rebuke, U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, urging him instead to focus on resolving Russia’s own war in Ukraine.
“I said, ‘Do me a favor, mediate your own. Let’s mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later,’” Trump told reporters on Wednesday, referencing a recent phone call with Putin.
🔥 Putin’s Mediation Proposal
Putin had earlier proposed a diplomatic initiative involving Israel, Iran, and the U.S., aimed at de-escalating the escalating missile exchanges in the Middle East. Speaking at a media roundtable in St. Petersburg, he described the situation as “delicate” but said a solution was possible.
📞 Trump-Putin Phone Call
The two leaders reportedly spoke for nearly an hour, discussing the Israel-Iran conflict, Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, and ongoing prisoner swaps. Trump noted that while Putin expressed concern over the Middle East, he emphasized that Russia’s own war should take priority.
🌍 Global Reactions
Putin’s offer drew skepticism from Western leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a country actively engaged in a high-intensity conflict and violating the UN Charter “cannot be a credible mediator”.
Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks mark a shift from his earlier openness to Russian mediation. He has also hinted at a possible U.S. military role in Israel’s operations against Iran, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Stay tuned for updates on diplomatic developments and global reactions.
