Trump Eyes Diplomatic Overture to Iran Amid Ongoing Israel Airstrikes
According to a White House pool report by Politico, Trump is aiming for what he described as a “complete give-up” by Iran regarding its nuclear program.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — U.S. President Donald Trump said he is seeking a “real end” to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and signaled a potential diplomatic initiative involving senior American officials, even as Israeli airstrikes on Iran intensified for a fifth consecutive day.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One shortly after his midnight departure from the G7 summit in Canada on Monday, Trump hinted at the possibility of dispatching U.S. envoys to engage Tehran in direct talks. His remarks were first reported by a CBS News journalist on the social media platform X.
“I may,” Trump said, when asked whether he would send U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet with Iranian leaders. According to a White House pool report by Politico, Trump is aiming for what he described as a “complete give-up” by Iran regarding its nuclear program.
Despite the overture, Trump remained firm that the U.S. would not pressure Israel to ease its offensive, saying: “You’re going to find out over the next two days. You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far,” as quoted by CBS.
“We're not looking for a ceasefire, we are looking for a real end or giving up entirely. They [Iran] just can't have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I just want people to be safe, but we'll come down so hard if they do anything to our people. We'll come down so hard. Now, I think they [Iran] know not to touch our troops.”
🔴U.S. President Donald Trump made the following remarks to journalists aboard Air Force One while returning from Canada to Washington, D.C. on Monday night:
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) June 17, 2025
⭕️“We're not looking for a ceasefire, we are looking for a real end or giving up entirely. They [Iran] just can't have a… pic.twitter.com/2WpRk93BW9
The remarks come amid growing international alarm over the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which began with Israel’s wide-scale aerial strikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure last Friday. The conflict has since spiraled into a daily exchange of missiles and drone attacks between the two countries, with mounting casualties and damage reported on both sides.
While Trump has not committed U.S. military forces to the conflict, he has maintained a hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, reiterating that the Islamic Republic “can never have a nuclear weapon.” His administration continues to emphasize a defensive posture for American troops stationed in the region.
With tensions continuing to rise and no visible signs of de-escalation, Trump's comments signal a potential shift toward diplomacy, though the conditions and timing of any U.S.-Iran dialogue remain uncertain.
Kurdistan24 English will continue to provide instant coverage and up-to-date news on developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Keep an eye on Kurdistan24 English's website and social media platforms for the latest updates.
