Olusegun Ariyo
U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out support for a ceasefire with Iran, stating that his administration is instead seeking a “real end” to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington following an early departure from the G7 summit in Canada, Trump clarified his stance: “I didn’t say I was looking for a ceasefire, a real end means giving up entirely on nuclear weapons,” he said.
Trump added that he is considering sending U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to engage Iran in talks, but noted that the decision would depend on developments upon his return to Washington.
The president claimed Iran is “very close to having” a nuclear weapon, contradicting testimony from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in March, in which she stated Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon.
Warning Tehran against any aggression towards U.S. forces, Trump said, “I would come down so hard if they do anything to our people.”
He also signalled continued Israeli military action, saying, “You’re going to find out over the next two days. Nobody’s slowed up so far.”
Addressing his earlier call for Tehran’s nearly 10 million residents to evacuate, Trump said it stemmed from a desire to keep civilians safe.
