President Donald Trump has clarified that his administration is not working toward a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but is instead focused on achieving a “real end” to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One early Tuesday morning after abruptly leaving the G7 Summit in Canada, Trump dismissed reports suggesting he was mediating a truce between the warring nations.
“I didn’t say I was looking for a ceasefire,” Trump said. “I want a real end to Iran’s nuclear problem, with them giving up entirely.” He was responding to remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who claimed Trump had left the summit to work on de-escalation between Iran and Israel. Trump rebuffed Macron’s statement on his Truth Social platform, saying the situation was “much bigger than that.”
The president indicated that Israel is unlikely to slow its military operations, which have already decapitated much of Iran’s military command structure and targeted its nuclear facilities. “Nobody’s slowed up so far,” he said, hinting that more aggressive action may be imminent. When asked about his earlier warning advising Tehran’s residents to evacuate, Trump said he wanted “people to be safe,” offering no further explanation.
Strategic Return to Washington and Possible U.S. Mediation
President Trump explained that he cut short his G7 participation to better monitor the escalating conflict from the White House Situation Room. “Being on the scene is much better,” he told journalists, citing his distrust of telephones due to security concerns.
While still unclear on his next steps, Trump said he may dispatch special envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to engage Iranian negotiators in Qatar or Oman. However, he emphasized that any diplomatic outreach hinges on what unfolds in the coming days. “I don’t know. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate,” he admitted.
A source familiar with behind-the-scenes talks confirmed that Iran has shown a willingness to discuss its nuclear program with the U.S., but only if Israel halts its ongoing offensive. Trump, however, stressed that Iran must not mistake the moment: “If they do anything to our people, we’ll come down so hard,” he warned, referencing U.S. forces in the region.
Very Close” to the Bomb: Trump Disputes U.S. Intelligence
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has justified Israel’s bombardment of Iran as a matter of national survival, claiming—without presenting evidence—that Iran was racing toward nuclear weapons capability. Trump echoed those fears, saying Tehran was “very close” to developing a bomb.
This directly contradicts a recent intelligence assessment delivered to Congress by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who testified that Iran was not currently building a nuclear weapon and that Supreme Leader Khamenei had not reauthorized the suspended 2003 program.
“I don’t care what she said,” Trump shot back. “I think they were very close to having them.” Gabbard had also noted that Iran’s internal discourse around nuclear weapons had shifted, with growing public support and emboldened advocates among the ruling elite.
Both Israeli and U.S. leaders, including Trump, have consistently maintained that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear arsenal, viewing such a development as an existential threat to both Israel and regional stability.
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Trump Defies Intel, Backs Israeli Bombing as Path to Ending Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
On Monday, Israel escalated its campaign inside Iran, striking military installations, nuclear sites, and even state-run media facilities. A major Israeli airstrike hit Iranian State TV’s headquarters in Tehran while the network was on-air, sparking a fire but not silencing the broadcast.
Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said the media complex was a legitimate target due to its role in promoting “anti-Israeli propaganda and incitement.” In a stunning blow to Iran’s military, Israel also announced the assassination of Ali Shadamnai, Iran’s newly appointed military chief, just four days after his predecessor was killed in the initial wave of attacks.
Thousands of Iranians are fleeing urban centers like Tehran and Isfahan amid fears of further escalation. Footage of a massive explosion in Isfahan captured from a car dashcam over the weekend went viral, showing panicked passengers trying to flee. Iranian authorities say over 220 people have been killed so far, many of them civilians.
In Israel, at least 24 deaths have been reported from Iranian missile strikes, including a direct hit on an apartment block in Peta Tikva. Despite Israel’s robust Iron Dome defense system intercepting most of the 30 missiles launched by Iran overnight, several managed to penetrate, causing fresh damage.
War Worsens: Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
The spiraling conflict has left civilians on both sides reeling. Iranian families are fleeing en masse, uncertain of where safety lies. Israeli citizens, meanwhile, are bracing for prolonged bombardments. In Herzliya, outside Tel Aviv, a missile crater drew crowds of stunned onlookers, underscoring the tangible threat to everyday life.
Israeli-American citizen Lihi Griner, who sheltered with her family in a safe room during a missile strike, described the impact: “It was the biggest boom ever. Even our safe room was shaking.” She added, “I’m not prepared. I wasn’t prepared for this.”
With no sign of diplomatic resolution, the conflict risks plunging the region into deeper chaos. While Trump has hinted at the possibility of negotiations, his priority remains the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. “I hope it’s wiped out long before” U.S. military intervention becomes necessary, he said.
As the war grinds into its sixth day, the world watches with growing concern—uncertain whether the next move will be diplomacy or devastation.
