WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 17, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump declared late Monday that the United States is seeking “better than a ceasefire” with Iran, demanding a “real end” to the conflict surrounding its nuclear program. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, the President stated he was “not in the mood to negotiate” after two months of talks where Iran reportedly refused to dismantle its nuclear activities.

“We’re looking for better than a ceasefire,” President Trump stated. When pressed on what this would entail, he responded, “An end. A real end. Not a ceasefire. An end… Or giving up entirely. That’s okay too.” He reiterated his firm stance, asserting, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, it’s very simple.”

Trump’s remarks come at a critical juncture, with the U.S. having repositioned warships and military aircraft in the Middle East to prepare for potential escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran. This follows significant damage reportedly inflicted by Israel on Iranian nuclear program sites.

Despite the President’s strong rhetoric, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that Trump’s broader position on a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program remains unchanged. Hegseth emphasized that U.S. forces in the region are positioned defensively, reflecting a strategy of “peace through strength and America first.”

A Decisive Moment

President Trump’s return to the White House early Tuesday marks a decisive moment in his presidency. Israel believes it can now deliver a permanent blow to Tehran’s nuclear program, especially with potential U.S. assistance. However, increased American involvement risks Iran targeting U.S. forces in the region. Some influential segments of Trump’s political base have expressed vocal opposition to his administration’s support for Israel’s recent strikes.

The White House had announced on Monday, during Trump’s attendance at the Group of Seven summit in the Canadian Rockies, that the President would be cutting his trip short to address the escalating situation.

Evacuation Comments and Diplomatic Prospects

On social media, President Trump had earlier posted, “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” When asked about these evacuation comments aboard Air Force One, Trump explained, “I just want people to be safe.”

He also publicly disagreed with French President Emmanuel Macron, who had suggested the U.S. was working on a ceasefire. “We’re looking at better than a ceasefire. We’re not looking for a ceasefire,” Trump said, adding that Macron is a “nice guy but he doesn’t get it right too often.”

Despite his strong stance, Trump did not rule out a diplomatic option. He indicated that he could potentially dispatch Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Iranian representatives.

Intelligence vs. Presidential Stance

The President also dismissed recent congressional testimony from U.S. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who had informed lawmakers in March that U.S. spy agencies did not believe Iran was actively building a nuclear weapon. “I don’t care what she said,” Trump stated. “I think they were very close to having it.”

Iran has consistently denied any ambition to develop nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, its uranium enrichment levels are reported to be far beyond those required for civilian use, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has noted that Iran has obstructed inspectors from visiting some of its nuclear sites. Iran has also repeatedly vowed to destroy Israel.

Speculation Mounts on U.S. Involvement

Since launching its attacks on Friday, Israel has targeted multiple Iranian nuclear program sites. However, it has reportedly been unable to destroy Iran’s Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is buried deep underground. Eliminating this site might require specialized munitions like the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, currently delivered by the B-2 stealth bomber, neither of which Israel possesses.

While Israel’s own defenses have largely remained intact against Iranian retaliatory strikes, some Iranian missiles have reportedly penetrated defenses, causing deadly impact.

Amid growing speculation about more direct U.S. involvement, the White House dispatched Defense Secretary Hegseth for a prime-time appearance on Fox American, shortly after announcing President Trump’s early return to Washington. Hegseth reiterated on Jesse Watters’ show that President Trump seeks a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program, reinforcing the “peace through strength” approach.