Trump Says Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran Unlikely Amid Ongoing Strikes

Trump Doubts Ceasefire Feasibility as Israel Intensifies Strikes on Iran.

Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about the possibility of a ceasefire, stating it would be “very hard to stop” Israel’s ongoing military operations.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump acknowledged that while he supports a ceasefire in principle, Israel’s current momentum on the battlefield makes such negotiations difficult. “Israel is doing well in terms of war, and Iran is doing less well. It’s hard to get someone to stop when they feel they’re winning,” he said.

His remarks came in response to a question about Iran’s request for Trump to urge Israel to halt its strikes as a step toward ceasefire talks. “I think it’s very hard to make that request right now,” Trump said. “When you look at it, it’s very hard to stop.”

The comments came shortly after the White House suggested there was a “substantial chance of negotiations” in the conflict. US officials reportedly seek additional time to decide whether to involve American forces in the escalating situation.

Tensions Over Nuclear Intentions
Trump also dismissed recent remarks by his own Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who had said earlier this year that US intelligence did not believe Iran was actively developing nuclear weapons.

“Then my intelligence community is wrong,” Trump said bluntly. Upon being told the statement had come from Gabbard, he responded, “She’s wrong.”

Trump has also yet to decide whether to approve a potential US strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo uranium enrichment facility. Buried deep within a mountain, Fordo is believed by some analysts to be key to any potential Iranian nuclear weapons capability.

Israel’s “Preemptive” Strike
Israel launched its first direct strikes on Iranian targets on June 13, calling them “preemptive” and aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran has denied pursuing a nuclear bomb, maintaining its program is for civilian energy purposes.

Trump, while reiterating his openness to diplomacy, said any ceasefire support would depend on “the circumstances.”