Trump says ceasefire in Middle East means 'shooting in a more moderate manner'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump offered an unusual definition of a ceasefire while speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, June 3, saying the term can mean different things in different parts of the world.

His remarks came amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, where recent military exchanges between the United States and Iran have tested a fragile ceasefire and complicated broader peace efforts in the region.

Trump's ceasefire remarks

When asked how he would define a ceasefire, Trump responded, “pretty much the way it is.”

Referring to Iran, he added, “That's a different part of the world. I'd say, in that part of the world, ‘ceasefire' is when you're shooting in a more moderate manner.”

Trump then joked about his answer, saying, “It's not bad,” before adding, “But it's true. I mean, a ceasefire there is much different than a ceasefire in other parts of the world.”

The comments drew laughter from officials gathered behind him in the Oval Office.

Tensions remain in the Middle East

Trump's remarks came less than 24 hours after Iran attacked an airport in Kuwait, an incident that raised fresh concerns about the stability of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

The president said Iran's action was a response to recent US military strikes. “We hit them pretty hard the night before,” Trump told reporters. “We've been hitting them pretty hard. So, there is a reason for certain things.”

Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon later agreed to a ceasefire, according to a joint statement issued by the US, Israel, and Lebanon.

Trump addresses tense call with Netanyahu

The president also addressed reports about his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, Trump confirmed reports that he had called Netanyahu “f***ing crazy” during a phone conversation on June 1.

“I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon,” Trump said, while maintaining that the two leaders continue to work “very well together.” 

Recent military exchanges involving Israel and Lebanon have further complicated efforts to secure a broader peace agreement in the region.

Despite the latest tensions, Trump expressed optimism about negotiations with Iran and suggested an agreement could be reached soon. “I hear the negotiation itself has gone very well, actually,” he said. “It could happen. I mean, if it happens. And it might not happen, you know, who knows?”

Later on Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed a largely symbolic measure calling for an end to the conflict with Iran, with support from four Republican lawmakers.