On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump expressed his desire for a definitive resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, suggesting that a true end to hostilities would be preferable to a mere ceasefire. Speaking to reporters while returning from the Group of 7 summit in Canada, Trump hinted that his patience regarding diplomatic negotiations is diminishing.
Later that day, Trump was set to convene with his national security team in the White House Situation Room to discuss America’s role in the escalating tensions. Israel has been urging Trump to take a more active stance against Iran’s nuclear program, suggesting that it might require American military support.
Despite the pressure from Israel, Trump has remained somewhat evasive, displaying conflicting signals about US involvement. While he has encouraged Iran to engage in diplomatic discussions aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions, he has also advised residents of Tehran to evacuate and dismissed the idea of imminent talks with Iranian officials.
Trump clarified that he seeks more than just a ceasefire, asserting his ultimate goal is to achieve “a real end” to the conflict, rather than simply halting hostilities without a substantial resolution. He previously demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear aspirations, claiming they are “very close” to acquiring a nuclear weapon, which contradicts assessments from his own intelligence officials.
When questioned about the US military’s capability to effectively target Iran’s subterranean nuclear sites, Trump acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding such operations. Reports indicated that he had instructed his team to initiate talks with Iranian negotiators, yet Trump appeared non-committal about resuming negotiations, stating it would depend on the developments of the next 48 hours.
Despite acknowledging that no de-escalation had occurred, he mentioned that he was not particularly inclined to negotiate at that moment. His comments reflect a precarious balance between considering military action and the complexities of diplomatic engagement.
Additionally, Trump urged Iranian authorities against targeting US troops, threatening severe retaliation if such actions were taken. Upon his return to the White House, Trump shared a message from his ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who encouraged him to remain open to divine guidance in his decision-making process regarding the conflict. Huckabee emphasised the importance of listening to “a voice from heaven” over any human counsel.