Washington, April 30 (QNA) - US President Donald Trump discussed developments in the Middle East and the Ukraine crisis during a phone call today with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that Putin had renewed his offer for Russia to handle enriched uranium that the United States was demanding Iran hand over, amounting to a reported 970 pounds.

He added that the conversation was lengthy and that he told Putin it would be more important for him to take part in ending the war with Ukraine.

Trump also said that Washington would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, adding that Iran's navy, air force, air defenses, radar systems, and most of its missile capabilities had been destroyed. He also said that 90 percent of missile manufacturing facilities had been eliminated.

For his part, Aide to the Russian President Yuri Ushakov said that the two presidents had paid special attention during the call to the situation in Iran, adding that Putin viewed Trump's decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran as the right one, as it allows an opportunity for negotiations and helps stabilize the situation overall, while warning that any US ground operation in Iran would be dangerous.

He added that Putin had put forward ideas during the call to resolve the dispute related to Iran's nuclear program, stressing that Moscow would continue its contacts with all parties as part of efforts to contain escalation and advance negotiation tracks.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, Trump expressed, according to Ushakov, his belief that reaching an agreement to end the conflict was imminent, and Putin said that Russian forces hold the initiative on the ground. (QNA)