Trump Dismisses European Efforts to End Conflict, Suggests Ceasefire Might Be Possible Under Certain Conditions
By Reuters
Updated: June 21, 2025
Morristown, New Jersey – United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that he might consider supporting a ceasefire in the intensifying aerial conflict between Israel and Iran — but only if certain conditions were met. Trump emphasized that any decision would hinge upon the evolving circumstances and Israel’s position in the ongoing war.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey, Trump expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of European efforts to end the conflict, stating that “Europe is not going to be able to help” broker a deal between Israel and Iran. circumstances
“I might [support a ceasefire], depending on the circumstances,” Trump stated, referring to ongoing hostilities. “It’s very hard to make that request right now. If somebody’s winning, it’s a little harder to do than if somebody’s losing, but we’re ready, willing, and able. We’ve been speaking to Iran, and we’ll see what happens.” circumstances
The Context: A Conflict with Profound Regional and Global Impact
The current conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran, citing fears that Tehran was intensifying its nuclear program and posed an imminent threat to Israel’s security. The strikes came after nearly nine months of rising tensions across the Middle East following Israel’s war in Gaza, which erupted in October 2023.
Since then, the air war has escalated, drawing attention from across the globe. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, Israel’s attacks have claimed the lives of 639 people in Iran. Meanwhile, Israel has confirmed that retaliatory strikes from Iran have killed 24 civilians within its borders. circumstances
Iran, which has long stated that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful energy generation, responded sharply to Israel’s strikes. The air campaign has pushed the long-standing tensions between the two nations closer to the precipice of a larger, potentially catastrophic regional war. circumstances
Trump Criticizes European Diplomacy
President Trump used the press briefing in New Jersey to openly dismiss the role that European nations have tried to play in de-escalating tensions. Earlier in the day, Iran’s foreign minister met with representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France in Geneva for talks aimed at finding a path back to a diplomatic agreement over Iran’s nuclear program. circumstances
However, the talks ended with few concrete results. European ministers urged Iran to re-engage with Washington, signaling their hope that direct negotiations between the United States and Iran might break the impasse. Yet Trump expressed doubt about Europe’s capacity to affect meaningful change. circumstances
“Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us,” Trump said. “Europe is not going to be able to help in this one.” circumstances
Trump has long positioned himself as a central figure in international negotiations involving Iran, pointing to the 2018 US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and subsequent economic sanctions as evidence of his willingness to confront the regime. In his latest remarks, he reaffirmed that the United States remained central to any prospective agreement. circumstances
Ground Forces Not Part of the Equation — At Least for Now
Responding to a question about the possibility of deploying American ground forces to support Israel, Trump remained cautious, suggesting that such a move was not an immediate consideration.
“I’m not going to talk about ground forces, because the last thing you want to do is ground forces,” said Trump. “Right now it’s an air war, and it’s serious. We have to watch this closely.” circumstances
This statement came amid rising fears in Washington and across NATO that a direct US military intervention could further complicate an already precarious situation. The risk of triggering a wider regional conflict involving Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and other nations has weighed heavily on policymakers.
The Nuclear Question: Conflicting Assessments and Trump’s Critique of His Own Advisors
During the briefing, Trump reiterated his long-standing claim that Iran was merely weeks away from being able to produce a nuclear weapon, despite internal US assessments suggesting otherwise. In March, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that Iran had not yet accumulated enough enriched uranium to build a weapon, contradicting Trump’s assertion. circumstances
“She’s wrong,” said Trump, referring to Gabbard, a veteran politician and long-time critic of military interventions in the Middle East. “I respect her service, and she’s a smart person, but when it comes to Iran, she’s wrong.”
Trump has long argued that the 2015 JCPOA agreement failed to permanently halt Iran’s march toward a nuclear weapon and claimed that it only delayed the inevitable. The former president used this line of criticism to justify his administration’s withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and the reinstatement of harsh economic sanctions. circumstances
The Status of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran has consistently stated that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful civilian use, highlighting its status as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The agreement allows signatory nations to pursue the development of nuclear energy for civil use while agreeing to forgo nuclear weapons.
circumstances
In sharp contrast, Israel is not a party to the NPT and is widely believed to have an extensive but undeclared nuclear weapons arsenal. Its air campaign against Iran has been justified as a preemptive measure to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon — a claim that has further deepened tensions across the Middle East. circumstances
While Tehran denies any intention to build a nuclear weapon, Israel and its allies assert that the regime has long kept its true ambitions hidden. The recent air war has only intensified this debate, placing questions about nuclear weapons and regional security at the heart of global discussions. circumstances
The Human Cost of Conflict
As the air war enters its second week, the toll on both nations has been significant. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 639 people have been killed in Iran as a result of Israeli airstrikes. The victims are said to be a mix of military personnel and civilians, including women and children.
Israel has also suffered civilian losses due to Iranian missile attacks. According to official Israeli estimates, 24 civilians have been killed so far, with many more injured. circumstances
With no end in sight, humanitarian agencies have expressed alarm about the deepening crisis. The United Nations and the Red Cross have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for both nations to respect international humanitarian law. Yet, as of now, both sides remain committed to their respective military objectives. circumstances
A Ceasefire on the Horizon?
Trump emphasized that any consideration of a ceasefire would hinge upon the dynamics of the conflict and the political positions of both parties. When asked if the United States would press Israel to halt its air campaign, Trump responded that making such a request would be challenging while Israel appeared to be gaining the upper hand.
“If somebody’s winning, it’s a little bit harder to do than if somebody’s losing,” Trump said. “But we’ve been speaking to Iran, we’ve been in talks. We’ll see what happens.”
Iran has stated publicly that it will not resume negotiations with the United States until Israel ceases its attacks. The Iranian foreign minister, following meetings in Geneva, reiterated that Tehran would only return to the table if the aerial campaign came to an end.
Trump acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and refused to confirm or reject the possibility of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Regional Implications and the Risk of a Wider Conflict
The ongoing air war between Israel and Iran has heightened tensions across the Middle East. Both nations have long been arch-rivals, and the conflict has the potential to spill over into neighboring countries. Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon have already expressed deep concern about the growing crisis. Meanwhile, regional militias aligned with both nations are mobilizing along borders, raising the specter of a wider and more devastating regional war.
Trump warned that any further escalation could draw the United States and its NATO allies into direct confrontation, underscoring the stakes involved.
“We’re in a very challenging position,” said Trump. “We want peace, but we also have obligations to our ally, Israel. It’s a balance we’ll have to navigate very carefully.”
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The Road Ahead: Will Trump Decide to Enter the Fray?
The White House announced that President Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will deepen its involvement in the conflict. At present, Trump has kept the world guessing, alternately hinting at potential support for Israel and suggesting the possibility of pursuing a direct diplomatic resolution with Iran.
“I’ve always said that all options are on the table,” Trump said when pressed by reporters. “But right now, we’re weighing those options very carefully.”
Trump’s remarks have left the international community on edge, with global markets and security experts watching closely for any signs of American military engagement.
Conclusion: An Uncertain and Fractured Peace
The Israel-Iran conflict has evolved into one of the most significant flashpoints of recent years, with the potential for far-reaching consequences. Against this backdrop, President Trump’s refusal to fully endorse a ceasefire — combined with skepticism about European mediation efforts — suggests that tensions may continue to rise before any path to peace emerges.
While Trump insists that the United States is “ready, willing, and able” to engage with both parties, questions remain about when — or if — a window for diplomacy will open. The international community can only watch as events unfold, hoping for a resolution that avoids further loss of life and a descent into wider war.
“I might [support a ceasefire], depending on the circumstances,” Trump stated, referring to ongoing hostilities. “It’s very hard to make that request right now. If somebody’s winning, it’s a little harder to do than if somebody’s losing, but we’re ready, willing, and able. We’ve been speaking to Iran, and we’ll see what happens.”
The Context: A Conflict with Profound Regional and Global Impact
The current conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran, citing fears that Tehran was intensifying its nuclear program and posed an imminent threat to Israel’s security. The strikes came after nearly nine months of rising tensions across the Middle East following Israel’s war in Gaza, which erupted in October 2023.
Since then, the air war has escalated, drawing attention from across the globe. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, Israel’s attacks have claimed the lives of 639 people in Iran. Meanwhile, Israel has confirmed that retaliatory strikes from Iran have killed 24 civilians within its borders.
Iran, which has long stated that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful energy generation, responded sharply to Israel’s strikes. The air campaign has pushed the long-standing tensions between the two nations closer to the precipice of a larger, potentially catastrophic regional war.
Trump Criticizes European Diplomacy
President Trump used the press briefing in New Jersey to openly dismiss the role that European nations have tried to play in de-escalating tensions. Earlier in the day, Iran’s foreign minister met with representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France in Geneva for talks aimed at finding a path back to a diplomatic agreement over Iran’s nuclear program.
However, the talks ended with few concrete results. European ministers urged Iran to re-engage with Washington, signaling their hope that direct negotiations between the United States and Iran might break the impasse. Yet Trump expressed doubt about Europe’s capacity to affect meaningful change.
“Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us,” Trump said. “Europe is not going to be able to help in this one.”
Trump has long positioned himself as a central figure in international negotiations involving Iran, pointing to the 2018 US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and subsequent economic sanctions as evidence of his willingness to confront the regime. In his latest remarks, he reaffirmed that the United States remained central to any prospective agreement.
Ground Forces Not Part of the Equation — At Least for Now
Responding to a question about the possibility of deploying American ground forces to support Israel, Trump remained cautious, suggesting that such a move was not an immediate consideration. circumstances
“I’m not going to talk about ground forces, because the last thing you want to do is ground forces,” said Trump. “Right now it’s an air war, and it’s serious. We have to watch this closely.” circumstances
This statement came amid rising fears in Washington and across NATO that a direct US military intervention could further complicate an already precarious situation. The risk of triggering a wider regional conflict involving Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and other nations has weighed heavily on policymakers. circumstances
The Nuclear Question: Conflicting Assessments and Trump’s Critique of His Own Advisors
During the briefing, Trump reiterated his long-standing claim that Iran was merely weeks away from being able to produce a nuclear weapon, despite internal US assessments suggesting otherwise. In March, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that Iran had not yet accumulated enough enriched uranium to build a weapon, contradicting Trump’s assertion. circumstances
“She’s wrong,” said Trump, referring to Gabbard, a veteran politician and long-time critic of military interventions in the Middle East. “I respect her service, and she’s a smart person, but when it comes to Iran, she’s wrong.”
Trump has long argued that the 2015 JCPOA agreement failed to permanently halt Iran’s march toward a nuclear weapon and claimed that it only delayed the inevitable. The former president used this line of criticism to justify his administration’s withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and the reinstatement of harsh economic sanctions. circumstances
The Status of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran has consistently stated that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful civilian use, highlighting its status as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The agreement allows signatory nations to pursue the development of nuclear energy for civil use while agreeing to forgo nuclear weapons. circumstances
In sharp contrast, Israel is not a party to the NPT and is widely believed to have an extensive but undeclared nuclear weapons arsenal. Its air campaign against Iran has been justified as a preemptive measure to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon — a claim that has further deepened tensions across the Middle East . circumstances
While Tehran denies any intention to build a nuclear weapon, Israel and its allies assert that the regime has long kept its true ambitions hidden. The recent air war has only intensified this debate, placing questions about nuclear weapons and regional security at the heart of global discussions. circumstances
The Human Cost of Conflict
As the air war enters its second week, the toll on both nations has been significant. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 639 people have been killed in Iran as a result of Israeli airstrikes. The victims are said to be a mix of military personnel and civilians, including women and children. circumstances
Israel has also suffered civilian losses due to Iranian missile attacks. According to official Israeli estimates, 24 civilians have been killed so far, with many more injured. circumstances
With no end in sight, humanitarian agencies have expre ssed alarm about the deepening crisis. The United Nations and the Red Cross have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for both nations to respect international humanitarian law. Yet, as of now, both sides remain committed to their respective military objectives. circumstances
A Ceasefire on the Horizon?
Trump emphasized that any consideration of a ceasefire would hinge upon the dynamics of the conflict and the political positions of both parties. When asked if the United States would press Israel to halt its air campaign, Trump responded that making such a request would be challenging while Israel appeared to be gaining the upper hand. circumstances
“If somebody’s winning, it’s a little bit harder to do than if somebody’s losing,” Trump said. “But we’ve been speaking to Iran, we’ve been in talks. We’ll see what happens.” circumstances
Iran has stated publicly that it will not resume negotiations with the United States until Israel ceases its attacks. The Iranian foreign minister, following meetings in Geneva, reiterated that Tehran would only return to the table if the aerial campaign came to an end. circumstances
Trump acknowledged the difficulty of he situation and refused to confirm or reject the possibility of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran .circumstances
Regional Implications and the Risk of a Wider Conflict
The ongoing air war between Israel and Iran has heightened tensions across the Middle East. Both nations have long been arch-rivals, and the conflict has the potential to spill over into neighboring countries. Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon have already expressed deep concern about the growing crisis. Meanwhile, regional militias aligned with both nations are mobilizing along borders, raising the specter of a wider and more devastating regional war. circumstances
Trump warned that any further escalation could draw the United States and its NATO allies into direct confrontation, underscoring the stakes involved. circumstances
“We’re in a very challenging position,” said Trump. “We want peace, but we also have obligations to our ally, Israel. It’s a balance we’ll have to navigate very carefully.” circumstances
The Road Ahead: Will Trump Decide to Enter the Fray?
The White House announced that President Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will deepen its involvement in the conflict. At present, Trump has kept the world guessing, alternately hinting at potential support for Israel and suggesting the possibility of pursuing a direct diplomatic resolution with Iran. circumstances
“I’ve always said that all options are on the table,” Trump said when pressed by reporters. “But right now, we’re weighing those options very carefully.” circumstances
Trump’s remarks have left the international community on edge, with global markets and security experts watching closely for any signs of American military engagement. circumstances
Conclusion: An Uncertain and Fractured Peace
The Israel-Iran conflict has evolved into one of the most significant flashpoints of recent years, with the potential for far-reaching consequences. Against this backdrop, President Trump’s refusal to fully endorse a ceasefire — combined with skepticism about European mediation efforts — suggests that tensions may continue to rise before any path to peace emerges. circumstances
While Trump insists that the United States is “ready, willing, and able” to engage with both parties, questions remain about when — or if — a window for diplomacy will open. The international community can only watch as events unfold, hoping for a resolution that avoids further loss of life and a descent into wider war.
