U.S., Russian Presidents Discuss Iran, Ukraine While U.S. Stocks Surge

BBC

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Monday evening, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said. Meanwhile, U.S. stock markets surged following comments from the U.S. President suggesting the conflict with Iran could conclude soon, while oil prices declined from recent highs.

"President Trump called President Putin to discuss a number of critically important topics related to current developments in the international situation," Ushakov told the media following the phone conversation.

He said the conversation focused on the Iran conflict and the trilateral negotiations on a Ukraine settlement.

He described the conversation as "businesslike, frank and constructive."

President Trump reiterated his interest in seeing the Ukraine conflict end quickly with a ceasefire to achieve a long-term settlement, according to Ushakov.

The two presidents have not spoken by phone for a long time and agreed to communicate with each other on a regular basis, he added.

The market rally came after CBS posted comments from a phone interview with President Trump on X. The President indicated the war could be over soon, stating the conflict is "very complete, pretty much" and noting Iran has lost significant military capabilities including its navy, communications systems, and air force. 

President Trump added that the U.S. is "very far" ahead of his initial 4-5 week estimated timeframe.

Oil prices retreated from their highest levels since mid-2022 following Trump’s remarks. Earlier in the session, crude had climbed due to supply constraints from shipping disruptions as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran entered its tenth day.

President Trump warned Iran against further action, saying the country has "shot everything they have to shoot, and they better not try anything cute or it’s going to be the end of that country."

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump noted that ships are currently moving through the waterway but said he is "thinking about taking it over." 

When asked about Iran’s new Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whom President Trump has publicly criticised, the President said he has "no message for him" and indicated he has someone in mind to replace Khamenei but did not provide details.



PUKMEDIA