China and Russia positioning themselves as voices of reason, calling for de-escalation of a conflict the United States is contemplating on entering — these are the optics Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin sought to project during a phone call on Thursday.

The Russian leader is eyeing a peacemaking role in the Middle East as his country continues to wage war in Ukraine.

President Trump took questions from reporters during the G7 summit in Canada. Mr. Trump commented on reports of Iran looking to de-escalate the conflict with Israel, and talked about Russia exiting the G8.