Putin slams Israeli strikes on Iran in call with Trump, warns of ‘unpredictable’ fallout in West Asia

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 50-minute phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Saturday during which he sharply criticised Israel’s recent military action against Iran and warned of the potential for dangerous escalation in West Asia, according to the Kremlin.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters, “Vladimir Putin condemned Israel’s military operation against Iran and expressed serious concern about a possible escalation of the conflict, which would have unpredictable consequences for the entire situation in West Asia,”.

Ushakov noted that President Trump also viewed the situation in the region as “very alarming.” Despite the tensions, both leaders agreed that the possibility of resuming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme should not be ruled out.

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On the issue of Ukraine, Putin conveyed to Trump that Moscow remains open to continuing talks with Kyiv after June 22, according to Russia’s RIA news agency. Trump, for his part, reaffirmed his desire for a swift resolution to the conflict, Ushakov added.

Putin also congratulated Trump on his 79th birthday.

Meanwhile, Israel on Saturday threatened to strike “every target of the ayatollah regime” in Iran, whose president warned of a severe response if the Israeli attacks continue, fuelling fears of an escalating conflict.

The threats came as the two longtime foes exchanged fire a day after Israel unleashed an unprecedented aerial bombing campaign, which scuppered plans for a new round of Iran-US nuclear talks Sunday.

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The Israeli strikes since Friday hit military and nuclear sites in Iran, and according to officials killed dozens, including top army and Revolutionary Guards commanders as well as civilians.

Iran responded with barrages of drones and missiles fired at Israel overnight.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that “the continuation of the Zionist aggression will be met with a more severe and powerful response from the Iranian armed forces.”

According to a statement from his office, Pezeshkian condemned Washington’s “dishonesty” for supporting Israel while the United States was engaged in nuclear talks with Iran – which mediator Oman said would no longer take place on Sunday, when a sixth round had been scheduled.

With inputs from agencies