Trump doubtful on Israel-Iran ceasefire, says strikes on Tehran 'hard to stop'
PTC Web Desk: Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism over the likelihood of a ceasefire between the two nations. Speaking on Saturday, Donald Trump stated that halting Israel’s military operations against Iran would be “very hard to stop,” even though he broadly supported the idea of a ceasefire.
“It’s very hard to make that request right now,” Trump said, adding, “When you look at it, Israel’s doing well in terms of war, and I think you would say that Iran is doing less well. It’s a little bit hard to get somebody to stop.”
His comments came shortly after the White House signaled that Trump saw a “substantial chance of negotiations” in the ongoing conflict. However, the administration is reportedly seeking more time before deciding on potential US military involvement.
Trump said, “If somebody is winning, it’s a little bit harder to negotiate than if somebody is losing. But we’re ready, willing, and able. We’ve been speaking to Iran, and we’ll see what happens.”
The US President also addressed recent comments made by his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who had claimed that US intelligence agencies did not believe Iran was developing nuclear weapons. When questioned about her statement, Trump responded sharply, saying, “Then my intelligence community is wrong. Who in the intelligence community said that?” After being informed it was Gabbard, he replied, “She’s wrong.”
Trump has also indicated that he is still weighing the option of a US strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo uranium enrichment facility, located beneath a mountain and suspected of being used for nuclear weapons development. Although Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for civilian energy purposes, both the US and Israel have expressed deep concerns about Tehran’s intentions.
On June 13, Israel launched what it called “preemptive” airstrikes on Iran, aimed at halting the country's nuclear ambitions.
- With inputs from agencies
