WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to dismiss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer to mediate the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, urging him instead to focus on resolving Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
“Putin offered to help mediate,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I said, ‘Do me a favor, Vladimir—mediate your own conflict first. Let’s take care of Russia before you worry about the Middle East.’”
Putin has recently positioned himself as a potential mediator in the deepening hostilities between Israel and Iran. However, analysts have raised concerns about his credibility in such a role, citing Moscow’s close ties to Tehran and Russia’s continued military aggression in Ukraine.
During his early months in office, Trump had made efforts to revive stalled peace talks related to the war in Ukraine, which began more than three years ago. But progress faltered after Putin refused to implement a ceasefire and maintained hardline demands that derailed negotiations.
Given Russia’s own involvement in a protracted and brutal conflict, Trump suggested that Putin’s focus should remain on de-escalating tensions closer to home rather than attempting to broker peace in other volatile regions.
