Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly conveyed Iran's proposal for ending the ongoing conflict to U.S. President Donald Trump, according to statements from Russian state media. This exchange took place in the context of a phone call following Putin’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at a summit in Turkmenistan. Although details of Iran’s vision for conflict resolution were not disclosed, the Kremlin emphasized the joint communication effort to the U.S. by Putin and Pezeshkian.

The announcement coincided with Trump’s remarks about a new agreement with Putin for Russia to supply over four million tons of diesel fuel to the global market. This move aims to alleviate energy price surges exacerbated by the wars in Iran and Ukraine. The diesel deliveries are scheduled to start immediately, with 300,000 tons initially, followed by additional shipments through November and beyond, contingent on the capacity of Russian refineries. The U.S. Treasury Department has temporarily waived sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 2027 to enable this trade.

Iran has intensified attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, attempting to disrupt crude oil exports. The recent upsurge in tanker assaults comes despite a prior interim ceasefire agreement that broke down, as Iran and its allies seek to pressure shipping routes. This unrest has kept global oil markets volatile, especially with Iran’s threats to block illicit trafficking routes near Hormuz and ongoing military engagements in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the U.S.-Russia diesel deal, warning that lifting sanctions without Russian commitments to peace would only extend the conflict. He characterized the arrangement as a “gift” to Putin that undermines efforts toward peace and dubbed it a dangerous investment in continued warfare. The deal comes amid rising fuel costs impacting political dynamics in the U.S., particularly ahead of the critical midterm elections where diesel prices heavily influence key voter bases such as farmers in conservative areas.