US President Donald Trump has ruled out any ceasefire with Iran, signalling that US and Israeli military operations will continue despite growing calls for de-escalation.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump said he is open to talks but not a pause in fighting. “Look, we can have dialogue, but I don’t want to do a ceasefire. You know, you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re obliterating the other side,” he said.
The remarks highlight Washington’s hardline position as the conflict deepens into a prolonged regional crisis, with continued strikes and rising tensions across the Middle East.
Trump portrayed Iran’s military as significantly weakened after weeks of sustained attacks. “They don’t have a navy. They don’t have an air force. They don’t have any equipment,” he said, suggesting that continued pressure would further erode Tehran’s capabilities.
Despite leaving the door open for diplomacy, Trump made clear that negotiations would not come at the cost of halting military action. “We could have dialogue, but I don’t want to do a ceasefire,” he reiterated before departing for Florida.
The war, which began on February 28, has expanded beyond initial flashpoints, raising concerns of wider regional instability and prolonged disruption to global energy routes.
