Moscow, March 09 (QNA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump discussed the escalating military situation in the Middle East during a phone call on Monday, the Kremlin has announced.

Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, said the conversation took place at the initiative of the United States.

He said the talks focused on the conflict surrounding Iran and negotiations aimed at resolving the situation in Ukraine.

Trump shared his assessment of the developments in the Middle East, while Putin presented a number of ideas aimed at reaching a swift political and diplomatic solution regarding the situation involving Iran, Ushakov said.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Venezuela, particularly issues related to global oil markets.

Ushakov described the conversation as "practical, frank and constructive", adding that the call lasted about an hour. (QNA)