Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Putin condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran, though neither leader ruled out a return to negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Trump reportedly told Putin that U.S. negotiators are prepared to resume talks with Iranian representatives. On Friday, Trump urged Iran to strike a deal on its nuclear programme, warning there was still time to avoid further conflict with Israel.

Amid rising diplomatic tensions, the United States has ordered the departure of “non-essential” diplomatic staff and their families from embassies across the Middle East. On Wednesday, the State Department announced the evacuation of all non-essential personnel from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, citing its commitment to safeguarding American lives both at home and abroad.

Al Jazeera