Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone call on Wednesday, discussing key global issues including the ongoing Ukraine war and rising tensions in the Middle East. The conversation, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, marked their first known direct contact since March and reflected continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries. According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, both leaders focused extensively on developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation involving Iran and the broader Persian Gulf region. Ushakov said Putin supported Trump’s decision to extend a ceasefire with Iran, noting that such a move could create space for negotiations and contribute to regional stability. The discussion also included specific proposals from Russia regarding Iran, though details were not publicly disclosed. The Ukraine conflict was another central topic of the call. Putin reportedly expressed readiness to declare a temporary ceasefire to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, an annual commemoration of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. The proposal is seen as a symbolic gesture tied to a major national observance, although its broader implications remain unclear. During the call, Putin also condemned the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and conveyed support in response to the incident. Additionally, he extended birthday greetings to Melania Trump and acknowledged her efforts in humanitarian matters, including initiatives aimed at reconnecting families affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Victory Day, observed annually in Moscow with a military parade, will reportedly be scaled back this year due to security concerns, including potential threats of retaliatory strikes. The call highlights ongoing dialogue between the two leaders amid complex geopolitical challenges.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi meets Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, April 27, for ceasefire talks as Israel intensifies strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, where 14 were killed Sunday, April 26, marking the deadliest day since the truce began. Iran-Israel war live updates: Iran FM to meet Putin amid rising tensions as Abbas Araghchi prepares for high-level tal

Iran has raised concerns about Pakistan’s role as a mediator in ongoing diplomatic efforts with the United States, with officials questioning Islamabad’s neutrality. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said Pakistan lacks the credibility required to act as an impartial intermediary in sensitive negotiations. Rezaei argued that Paki

The United States has maintained pressure on Iran despite a formal agreement to extend a ceasefire aimed at creating space for diplomacy. President Donald Trump has ordered the continuation of a military blockade targeting Iranian ports, a move designed to restrict Tehran’s financial resources. The administration has indicated that Iran’s economy is under significant strain, citing limited cash reserves and increasing pressure on oil storage facilities, particularly at Kharg Island. While the ceasefire extension was initially viewed as an opportunity to advance negotiations, diplomatic progress remains uncertain. Reports of a possible summit in Islamabad have been challenged by Iranian officials, who state that no delegation has departed for Pakistan. Iranian state authorities have dismissed claims of imminent talks, emphasizing that key preconditions have not been met. Tehran has maintained that any formal negotiations would require a complete halt to Israeli military actions in Lebanon. Without such assurances, Iranian leaders have expressed reluctance to engage in further discussions. Officials have also accused the United States of pursuing a strategy focused on coercion rather than constructive dialogue, raising concerns about the credibility of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Senior Iranian figures have issued strong warnings about the potential consequences of continued pressure. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf suggested that Iran could explore alternative responses if tensions escalate further. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized what he described as repeated violations of the ceasefire, while President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the importance of trust and consistency in any negotiation process. Pakistan has emerged as a potential mediator, preparing to host talks in Islamabad in an effort to bridge differences between the two sides. The United States is expected to send Vice President JD Vance to participate in discussions, although Iran has yet to confirm its involvement. As both diplomatic and military dynamics continue to unfold, the path toward resolution remains uncertain.

Britain is hosting senior military planners from more than 30 countries at the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters for high-level discussions on securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The two-day meeting in northwest London, being held from April 22 to April 23, 2026, aims to advance a multinational maritime security initiative jointly led by the United Kingdom and France, following earlier consultations involving over 40 nations chaired by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel M

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled both optimism and uncertainty regarding ongoing tensions with Iran, stating that a potential agreement could end hostilities while warning that military action may resume if negotiations fail. Speaking aboard Air Force One at 09:05 AM IST on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Trump said he would host a celebratory gathering at the White House if the conflict concludes throug

A cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon, pressed forward by Donald Trump, is drawing sharp criticism within Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting political pressure over the decision to halt military operations against

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that the United States is prepared to work with Iran to recover enriched uranium believed to be buried beneath sites targeted during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in June 2025. The comments signal a potential shift in U.S.-Iran engagement, though Iranian officials have not confirmed any such cooperation. In a social media post, Trump stated that “there will be no enrichment of uranium” moving forward and asserted that the

Escalating tensions across the Middle East intensified after US President Donald Trump said Iran’s response to a proposed ceasefire was “substantial” but ultimately “not good enough,” signaling continued diplomatic strain as military exchanges widened across the region. The remarks came as at least 34 people, including six children, were reported killed in coordinated US-Israeli strikes across Iran. The attacks mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raisin

Iran has formally rejected a United States-backed proposal for a temporary ceasefire, instead presenting a structured response that calls for a permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict, according to statements from its state news agency. The move highlights Tehran’s position that a short-term truce would not address the broader geopolitical tensions shaping the crisis. The response was conveyed to Washington through Pakistan, which has been serving as an intermediary in diplom

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, April 6, 2026, warned that the United States has a plan to destroy critical infrastructure in Iran if ongoing ceasefire efforts fail, signaling a potential escalation in already heightened tensions between the two countries. Speaking publicly, Trump described a scenario in which “every bridge, every power plant in Iran will be out of business,” adding that such an operation would result in “complete demolition by 12:00,” though he did not specify a time zone for that reference. The president emphasized that he does not want to pursue such action, noting the long-term consequences for Iran’s recovery. He stated that rebuilding could take “100 years,” underscoring the scale of destruction implied in his remarks. His comments come at a critical moment in the broader Middle East crisis, where diplomatic efforts and military posturing continue simultaneously. Trump also introduced a proposal involving the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. He suggested that the United States, rather than Iran, should collect tolls from vessels transiting the waterway. “What about us charging tolls?” he said, positioning the idea as an alternative to allowing Iran to control revenue from the route. Iran recently announced its own toll system for tankers, asserting authority over the strategically important passage. Addressing the status of negotiations, Trump declined to provide a definitive assessment of whether tensions are easing or intensifying. “I can’t tell you, it depends on what they do. This is a critical period,” he said. He also referenced a deadline related to reopening the waterway, stating that Iran had “’til tomorrow at 8:00” following an extension he granted, though further details were not disclosed. Despite the strong rhetoric, Trump indicated that diplomatic engagement remains ongoing. He described Iran as an “active, willing participant” in negotiations and suggested that both sides may be exploring a potential agreement. However, he stopped short of confirming any progress toward a ceasefire, leaving the situation uncertain as global markets and policymakers continue to monitor developments closely.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that tariff threats played a decisive role in resolving several international conflicts during his tenure, claiming that economic pressure through trade measures helped prevent violence and bring rival nations to the negotiating table. In an interview with Fox Business, Trump asserted that at least six of what he described as eight wars were settled after he warned countries that they would face higher tariffs if hostilities continued. Among

Israel has expanded its war beyond Gaza, striking the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday in a military operation dubbed “Summit of Fire.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the airstrikes were carried out to eliminate senior Hamas leaders, who it claims have long directed operations abroad and were central to orchestrating the October 7, 2023 massacre. The military said the strike was executed in