Trump Says Ceasefire With Iran Difficult as Israel Pushes Ahead With Strikes
US President Donald Trump has cast doubt on the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, saying it would be “very hard to stop” Israel’s ongoing military operations at this stage of the conflict.
Speaking on Saturday, Trump said that while he supports the idea of a ceasefire in principle, Israel’s current position on the battlefield complicates any immediate efforts. “Israel is doing well in terms of war. Iran is doing less well. It’s a little bit hard to get somebody to stop when they’re winning,” he told reporters.
The statement follows comments from Iran suggesting Trump could call on Israel to halt its strikes as a step toward a truce. In response, Trump said, “I think it’s very hard to make that request right now.”
Talks Possible, But No Decision Yet on US Role
Trump’s comments come amid ongoing deliberations within the US administration on whether to militarily engage in the conflict. The White House recently said the president believes there is a “substantial chance” of negotiations, but confirmed the US is seeking more time to decide on any direct involvement.
“We’re ready, willing, and able. We’ve been speaking to Iran, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump added.
Clash With Intelligence Chief Over Iran’s Nuclear Program
Trump also pushed back against his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who earlier stated that US intelligence agencies believed Iran was not actively working on nuclear weapons. “Then my intelligence community is wrong,” Trump said, before being informed it was Gabbard who made the statement. “She’s wrong,” he added.
The remarks come as Trump considers authorizing a US strike on Iran’s Fordo uranium enrichment facility—a heavily fortified site buried under a mountain, which some fear could be used to develop nuclear weapons. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes.
Israel Labels Strikes ‘Preemptive’
Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets on June 13, calling them “preemptive” and aimed at preventing Tehran from advancing its nuclear ambitions. The attack marked a serious escalation in the already strained relations between the two countries.
While Trump has left the door open for a ceasefire, he made it clear any support would be “depending on the circumstances.”
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