MOSCOW / WASHINGTON — In a significant diplomatic intervention, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 90-minute phone call with President Donald Trump on Monday, March 9, 2026, putting forward specific proposals for a “quick settlement” to the escalating U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. The conversation, described by the Kremlin as “frank and businesslike,” marks the first direct contact between the two leaders since the launch of Operation Epic Fury ten days ago.
The Kremlin’s outreach comes as global oil prices fluctuate near $120 a barrel and the regional death toll continues to climb following a week of heavy bombardment.
The Kremlin’s “Peace Offensive”
According to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin shared several “substantive thoughts” aimed at a political and diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
- Regional Consultation: Putin’s proposals reportedly draw on his recent contacts with the leaders of several Gulf states, as well as conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
- The Humanitarian Angle: Moscow has positioned itself as a mediator seeking to prevent a “total regional collapse,” emphasizing the need to restore stability to global energy markets and protect civilian infrastructure.
- The Ukraine Connection: In a broader strategic exchange, the two leaders also discussed the conflict in Ukraine. Ushakov noted that recent Russian battlefield gains were highlighted as a “factor” that should prompt Kyiv toward a settlement, suggesting a potential linkage between the two global flashpoints.
Trump’s Assessment: “Ahead of Schedule”
While acknowledging the “useful exchange of ideas,” President Trump remained focused on the military momentum of the U.S.-Israeli operation. Speaking to reporters shortly after the call, Trump described the war as a “short-term excursion” that is currently “very far ahead of schedule.”
“I think the war is very complete, pretty much,” Trump stated. “They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no Air Force. We are crushing the enemy.”
Trump’s assessment follows a week in which the U.S. military confirmed the sinking of 43 Iranian vessels and the destruction of several key airfields. Despite Putin’s call for a diplomatic exit, Trump reiterated his demand for “unconditional surrender” and his opposition to the newly named Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, whom he labeled “unacceptable.”
Market Reaction and Oil Volatility
The news of the Putin-Trump call triggered an immediate reaction in global markets. Brent crude, which had surged to $119 earlier on Monday, fell back toward $90 as investors weighed the possibility of a Russian-brokered de-escalation.
The discussion also touched on Venezuela and the global oil market, reflecting Moscow’s desire to manage energy prices that have reached their highest levels since 2022. For the Kremlin, the Iran war presents a “financial windfall” through higher prices, yet the threat of a wider regional conflagration poses a risk to Russia’s long-term strategic investments in the Middle East.
A Fragile Opening
The diplomatic breakthrough remains tenuous. While Putin is pushing for a “quick settlement,” the U.S. administration is signaling its intent to stay the course until its goals—including a “Great and Acceptable” Iranian leadership—are achieved. As the B-1B Lancers remain staged in the UK and Iranian IRGC commanders pledge “full obedience” to their new leader, the success of the Putin-Trump channel may depend on whether Washington sees a “deal” as more valuable than “complete destruction.”
Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump spoke on phone Picture by Heute.at
