Vladimir Putin called Donald Trump to wish him a very ‘happy birthday’ while fears grow an all-out war is set to erupt in the Middle East.
The US President, who turns 79 today, said the Russian dictator called him to wish him many happy returns, and to also offer his advice on escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
At least 78 people have been killed in Iran and another three in Israel as both countries launch ballistic missiles and drones at each other.
Posting to Truth Social, Trump said: ‘President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday, but to more importantly, talk about Iran, a country he knows very well.
‘Much less time was spent talking about Russia/Ukraine, but that will be for next week.
‘He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end.’
Trump has been congratulating Israel for the ‘excellent’ attacks, with fears the US and other Western powers will be dragged into the conflict.
Celebrating his 79th birthday, Trump organised a military parade which he said is really to celebrate the US army’s 250th birthday.
‘We’re going to celebrate our country for a change,’ Trump said from the Oval Office on Tuesday.
About 6,000 Army soldiers in uniform will march in the parade while 150 Army vehicles including the Abrams tank and 50 aircraft like the Black Hawk will be deployed.
The celebration will highlight each of the Army’s eras: the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Global War on Terror, the modern Army and the future of the Army.
Meanwhile, Iran warned the US and the UK we will be ‘subject to Iranian forces’ if seen to be aiding Israel in repelling any bombardments, state-owned Mehr news agency said.
Israel also vowed ‘Tehran will burn’ after they said their civilians were targeted in the attacks.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said: ‘If (Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles toward the Israeli home front – Tehran will burn.’
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