Washington, DC [US], June 17 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has called for a “real end” to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, stating that a temporary ceasefire is not a sufficient solution. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the need for a lasting resolution while keeping open the possibility of halting negotiations altogether, CNN reported.
“An end, a real end, not a ceasefire. An end. Or giving entirely. That’s OK, too,” Trump said. He reiterated his long-standing position that Iran must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. “It’s very simple — you don’t have to go too deep into it. They just can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he added.
Trump indicated that the next 48 hours will be crucial in determining Israel’s course of action. “You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far,” he noted. He is scheduled to convene a meeting with his national security team in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday.
Addressing concerns about the post on his Truth Social account urging the evacuation of Tehran, Trump said there was no specific threat but that the warning was made out of caution. “I want people to be safe. That’s always possible; something could happen. I just want people to be safe,” he said.
When asked about potential risks to US troops and military assets in the region, Trump issued a stern warning. “I think they know not to touch our troops,” he said, calling them “great people” and pledging that the US would respond forcefully if provoked. “We would come down so hard.”
There is speculation that Trump may dispatch Vice President JD Vance and businessman Steve Witkoff to engage with Iranian officials later this week. “I may. I may. It depends on what happens when I get back,” he told reporters.
Trump also took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron for suggesting that the US President left the G7 summit to work on a ceasefire. “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a ceasefire,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had also been attending the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, will be returning to Washington early as well, Fox News reported. “I have to be back,” Trump stated during a ceremonial photo-op with G7 leaders. “You probably see what I see. And I have to be back as soon as I can.”
The White House later confirmed the early return in an official statement, citing the escalating situation in the Middle East. The administration continues to frame its actions as part of a “peace through strength” strategy while keeping all diplomatic options open. (ANI)
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