Dismissing ceasefire, Trump says he wants a ‘real end’ to Iran nuclear issue

US President Donald Trump says he doesn’t want a ceasefire in Iran, but is instead seeking a “real end” to the Iranian nuclear issue, he tells reporters on Air Force One as he flies back to Washington overnight after an early exit from the G7 summit in Canada.

“I didn’t say I was looking for a ceasefire,” says Trump, according to CBS News. Trump’s adds a “real end” means “giving up entirely” on nuclear weapons.

He says “I may,” on the prospect of sending US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet with Iran. “It depends what happens when I get back,” he adds.

He claims Iran is “very close to having” a nuclear weapon, dismissing director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s March testimony that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon.

The president warns Iran not to harm US troops, saying he would “come down so hard if they do anything to our people.”

Trump says that Israel is going to keep up its attacks on Iran.

“You’re going to find out over the next two days,” he says, according to CBS. “You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far.”

He says he hopes Iran’s nuclear program “is wiped out long before” any potential US involvement.

Trump says that his call for residents of Tehran to evacuate comes from his desire for people to be safe.