Trump Rejects Claims of Reaching Out to Iran for Peace Talks
President Donald Trump has firmly denied reaching out to Iran regarding peace discussions, calling such reports "highly fabricated, fake news." In a statement posted on his social media platform, he emphasized that if Iran wants to engage in talks, it knows how to contact him directly.
Trump also criticized Iran for not taking up a nuclear deal he previously proposed, asserting that accepting the agreement could have saved numerous lives.
Beyond a Ceasefire: Trump’s Vision for a 'Real End'
Earlier the same day, Trump hinted at a broader strategy beyond just halting hostilities between Israel and Iran. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after the G7 summit in Canada, he clarified that he is not aiming for a ceasefire but something more definitive — a complete resolution where Iran abandons its nuclear weapons ambitions.
"We're looking at better than a ceasefire. A real end. Not a ceasefire. An end," Trump said. He emphasized, "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, it's very simple."
Potential Diplomatic Moves Under Consideration
The president mentioned the possibility of dispatching US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to engage with Iranian officials, though he added such plans are contingent on developments following his return.
When questioned about whether Israel might restrain its military actions, Trump was noncommittal: "You're going to find out over the next two days. Nobody’s slowed up so far."
Rising Violence Strains an Already Volatile Region
Hostilities between Iran and Israel have intensified after Israeli airstrikes launched last Friday, escalating an already fragile regional climate linked to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza since October 2023.
Casualty reports indicate that the escalating conflict has led to more than 220 Iranian deaths, predominantly civilians, while Israeli sources report 24 civilians killed in retaliatory actions.
Longstanding Nuclear Tensions Remain Central
The US, Israel, and allied Western nations continue to push efforts to constrain Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which it has ratified. Notably, Israel is not a signatory to this treaty but is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons.
The latest developments underscore the complexities of Middle East diplomacy, with global powers watching closely as the region navigates through rising anxieties and potential negotiations.
