Donald Trump says it's 'very hard' to ask Israel to halt strikes on Iran as conflict intensifies

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Friday, June 20, signaled that he is unlikely to call for an immediate end to Israel’s air campaign against Iran, even as global diplomatic efforts falter and international concern mounts over the escalating conflict.

Speaking to reporters after landing in Morristown, New Jersey, the commander-in-chief emphasized Israel’s current battlefield advantage, suggesting that now is not the right time to demand a ceasefire. “I think it’s very hard to make that request right now,” he said

Donald Trump signals ceasefire in Israel-Iran conflict might be tough amid stalled diplomacy

Donald Trump repeatedly pointed to Israel’s military momentum as a factor complicating diplomatic calls for de-escalation. “If someone is winning, it's a little bit harder to do than if someone is losing. But we are ready, willing, and able, and have been speaking to Iran, and we'll see what happens,” he added.

As the conflict entered its second week, Trump also addressed his reasoning for allowing two more weeks to assess the situation, saying, “Just time to see whether or not people come to their senses is all it is."

Israel has continued its air campaign over Iran largely unchallenged, after disabling the country's anti-aircraft systems at the start of Iran’s offensive last week. While avoiding nuclear reactor targets, Israel has instead focused its strikes on uranium enrichment facilities — including Natanz, sites near Tehran, and a key location in Isfahan.

Donald Trump says Europe is not going to be able to help in Israel-Iran conflict

Donald Trump dismissed recent European diplomatic attempts to mediate the conflict, stating bluntly that Tehran is only interested in engaging with Washington. “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us,” he said. “Europe is not going to be able to help in this one.”

He also rejected parallels between the current situation and America’s 2003 invasion of Iraq — a conflict he has long criticized. “There were no weapons of mass destruction. I never thought there were. That was somewhat pre-nuclear, nothing like it is today," the 79-year-old insisted. 

Commenting on Iran’s current nuclear program, Trump added, “It looked like I’m right about the material that they’ve gathered already. It’s a tremendous amount of material.”

Donald Trump weighs a strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear site amid rising civilian toll

Donald Trump arrived in New Jersey on Friday, en route to his Bedminster golf club, following reports that he would be receiving intelligence briefings on Iran both before his departure and upon his return to the White House over the weekend.

He is reportedly taking two weeks to decide whether to authorize a strike on Fordo — a heavily fortified uranium enrichment facility near Qom, located approximately 300 feet underground.

Trump has already been briefed on the potential advantages and risks of targeting Iran’s most secure nuclear site and has discussed the possible use of bunker-busting munitions, as per a Newsmax report.

Meanwhile, as diplomatic efforts stall, the humanitarian cost continues to rise. Israel’s airstrikes have reportedly killed 639 people in Iran, including top military officials and nuclear scientists. In response, Iranian missile attacks have claimed 24 civilian lives in Israel, local authorities report.

Despite Trump’s assertion that the US is “ready, willing, and able,” the path to de-escalation remains uncertain as the conflict intensifies.