Trump Signals Push for “Better Than a Ceasefire” as Iran-Israel Tensions Escalate

June 17, 2025      

  Trump says 'we’re looking at better than a ceasefire' as Iran and Israel exchange more strikes

Trump Signals Push for “Better Than a Ceasefire” as Iran-Israel Tensions Escalate

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he is aiming for a resolution “better than a ceasefire” as Iran and Israel exchanged missile strikes for the fifth consecutive day. Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized his desire for a “real end” to the conflict, amid reports of explosions in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Tehran, with no confirmed casualties so far.

The latest hostilities follow a series of tit-for-tat strikes, with both nations targeting strategic sites. Trump’s remarks come after he praised Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran as “excellent” and suggested that further actions could be forthcoming. On his Truth Social platform, the president reiterated that he has not initiated ceasefire talks with Iran, stating, “Not a ceasefire. An end.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a call with European counterparts, condemned Israel’s actions as “blatant aggression” and criticized Western leniency toward Israel, according to Iranian state media. Meanwhile, Israel has remained silent on specific strikes, including an alleged attack on a Mossad site, due to government media restrictions.

As Trump prepares to meet with his Security Council at the White House, global observers await clarity on what “better than a ceasefire” entails. The U.S. leader also referenced a missed opportunity for Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal before the strikes intensified, signaling a tougher stance on diplomacy.