President says he discussed Ukraine and Iran with Putin, reiterates opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons

The president told reporters he spoke with Vladimir Putin about Ukraine and Iran, saying the conversation was mostly about Ukraine and that he "had a long talk with president Putin." He added he suggested "a little bit of a cease fire," and said Mr. Putin "might do that."

On Iran, the president asserted forcefully that the United States will prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons: "We're not gonna let Iran have a nuclear weapon." He also made claims about recent military actions, saying that U.S. efforts had damaged Iranian capabilities, for example, "We knocked out about 80% of them" when describing missile production and related facilities. Those statements were presented as the president's characterization; reporters asked follow-up questions but the gaggle did not produce independent verification of the operational claims.

Reporters pressed whether Russia wanted to be involved in enrichment and whether Moscow had announced any cease-fire steps; the president said he hoped a solution could be reached "relatively quickly." On which conflict might end first, the president said he did not know and suggested timelines could be similar.

The session contained a mix of policy assertions, expressions of diplomatic optimism about talks, and unverified operational claims about the condition of Iran’s military and industry. The administration did not announce new policy or produce documentary evidence during the gaggle; reporters sought clarification on whether any international or allied actions followed the president's calls.