Trump Rejects Ceasefire, Demands ‘Real End’ to Iran’s Nuclear Program

President Donald Trump returned early from the G7 summit on June 17, 2025, declaring that Washington won’t support a ceasefire with Iran — it seeks a “real end” to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, meaning complete abandonment of weapons pursuits. Speaking from Air Force One, he emphasized: “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon … a real end means giving up entirely on nuclear weapons”.

Trump suggested he may dispatch Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President J.D. Vance to Tehran “depending on what happens when I get back,” signaling openness to direct diplomacy if Iran complies with demands . He dismissed ceasefire rumors and framed his statement as larger than temporary truce: “Much bigger than that” .

Authorities have reportedly identified Iran as “very close” to obtaining a nuclear weapon—a marked contrast to findings from U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard in March 2025, which assessed Iran was not actively building one. Gabbard did concede, however, that Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile is at record levels.

Warning Iran against any aggression towards U.S. forces, Trump vowed a strong response: “I would come down so hard if they do anything to our people.” He also hinted that Israel has not slowed its military campaign: “You’re going to find out over the next two days … nobody’s slowed up so far”.

Trump explained his earlier advisory urging nearly 10 million Tehran residents to evacuate was driven by concern for civilian safety. He maintains the U.S. remains open to reaching a new nuclear accord if Iran agrees to full disarmament, but dismisses ceasefire as insufficient.

Amid escalations, Israel’s strikes have reportedly targeted senior Iranian commanders and nuclear facilities, prompting Iranian missile and drone responses and causing hundreds of civilian deaths—over 224 in Iran and 24 in Israel. The U.S. military has intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, while global mediators call for de-escalation and resumed nuclear dialogue.

As Trump steers clear of calling this a ceasefire and pushes for a permanent end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, world leaders brace for intensified conflict. With a critical decision looming, the question remains: Will Iran yield, or will the region cross the brink?