Amid escalating violence between Iran and Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out support for a mere ceasefire, instead calling for a “real end” to the conflict. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that the United States is not pursuing a temporary halt in hostilities. “A real end. Not a ceasefire. An end,” he told reporters, as quoted by the BBC.
The conflict, now in its fifth day, has left hundreds dead across both nations, sparked regional instability, and shaken global oil markets. Trump left the G7 summit early, citing the urgent Middle East situation, though he denied claims by French President Emmanuel Macron that the U.S. had proposed a ceasefire. “Wrong!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Much bigger than that.”
Trump reiterated the U.S. stance that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, stating, “IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again!” He also hinted at escalating U.S. involvement and potential diplomatic engagement, suggesting Vice President JD Vance or Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff may be dispatched to negotiate with Tehran.
Meanwhile, Iran launched new missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, prompting heavy Israeli retaliation, including the reported killing of Iran’s wartime chief of staff. Civilian casualties are mounting, with 224 reported dead in Iran and 24 in Israel.
As the crisis deepens, Iran has reached out to Gulf states to pressure the U.S. for a ceasefire, while China has advised its citizens to evacuate Israel due to worsening security conditions.
