Fix your own country's problems first, then think about others" — Trump's advice to Putin President Donald Trump rejects Russia’s offer to mediate Israel-Iran conflict

"Fix your own country's problems first, then think about others" — Trump's advice to Putin President Donald Trump rejects Russia’s offer to mediate Israel-Iran conflict
[Washington, June 19, 2025]

President Donald Trump has outright rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's initiative to establish peace in the Middle East. Regarding Putin’s proposal to mediate the Iran-Israel conflict, Trump made it clear that Russia must first resolve its internal crises.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said:
"I spoke with Putin yesterday (June 17). He told me he wants to mediate in the Iran-Israel conflict. I told him—do me a favor, fix your own country first. Deal with Russia’s issues before looking at other countries."

Trump added:
"You can worry about this (Israel-Iran) later."

His comments indicate that he does not consider Russia’s leadership suitable for mediating in international crises—especially given that the country is itself involved in an aggressive war in Ukraine.

Reiterating his earlier stance, Trump said:
"If I had been president in 2022, Putin would never have invaded Ukraine."

Notably, Trump and Putin held a phone conversation on June 14, during which they discussed the Middle East conflict and global security. Initially, it was speculated that Trump might welcome Putin’s mediation proposal, but his recent remarks proved otherwise.

At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia had launched a missile attack on a key energy facility in Kremenchuk. He remarked:
"On one hand, Russia is waging aggression against Ukraine, and on the other, Putin is trying to present himself as a ‘peace envoy’ for the Middle East — this is nothing but hypocrisy."

Political analysts believe that Trump’s statement is aimed at reinforcing his strategic position in an election year and highlighting his diplomatic experience concerning the Ukraine war.