Trump Considers Ceasefire Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

President Donald Trump said Friday he may support a ceasefire in the ongoing air conflict between Israel and Iran, depending on how negotiations progress. “I might, depending on the circumstances,” Trump told reporters when asked about backing a temporary truce.

Trump cast doubt on Europe’s role in brokering peace, stating, “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us.” His comments followed a meeting in Geneva where Iran’s foreign minister held talks with European diplomats aimed at reviving nuclear diplomacy. Despite calls from Europe to re-engage with Washington, the discussions ended without major breakthroughs.

Trump declined to discuss the potential deployment of U.S. ground forces, saying, “The last thing you want to do is ground forces.” He added that a decision on U.S. involvement in the conflict would come within two weeks, noting both diplomatic and military options remain on the table.

The Israel-Iran aerial conflict erupted on June 13 after Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran, claiming to disrupt Tehran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions. Iran, which insists its nuclear program is peaceful and remains under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, responded with retaliatory attacks on Israeli territory.

According to Iran’s Human Rights Activists News Agency, Israeli airstrikes have killed 639 people in Iran. In contrast, Israel reported 24 civilian deaths from Iranian missile attacks. The latest escalation follows heightened regional tensions since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October 2023.

As the situation intensifies, Trump’s unpredictable stance continues to shape global diplomatic efforts, with uncertainty surrounding whether Washington will enter the conflict militarily or push for a negotiated settlement. The world watches closely as the crisis between the nuclear-armed Middle East powers unfolds.