President Donald Trump has ruled out negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, insisting instead on a complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Speaking aboard Air Force One after cutting short his G7 Summit visit in Canada, Trump said, “I didn’t say I was looking for a ceasefire… much bigger than that.”The President dismissed claims by French President Emmanuel Macron that his return to Washington was linked to ceasefire negotiations. Trump clarified via Truth Social that the real priority is Iran’s nuclear program, stating that Tehran must “give up entirely” its uranium enrichment efforts.While Israel’s military campaign has killed at least 220 in Iran and 24 in Israel so far, Trump warned that Tehran’s approximately 10 million residents should evacuate “immediately,” though he later said the warning was issued simply to “keep people safe.”Trump claimed that Israel would not slow down its operations, highlighting the severe blows dealt to Iran’s military infrastructure. Meanwhile, CBS News has confirmed that Tehran has privately signaled willingness to discuss a new nuclear deal—only if Israeli strikes cease. Trump indicated potential diplomatic outreach via envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance but expressed reluctance: “I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.”On possible U.S. involvement, Trump declined to discuss military options or advice from the Pentagon but warned that if Iran targets U.S. forces, the response would be overwhelming.Vice President JD Vance backed Trump’s approach, calling it “remarkably restrained” and emphasizing that any military move would be made solely in pursuit of American interests. He hinted that further action could follow if Iranian enrichment continues.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a fight for Israel’s survival. He claimed intelligence showed Iran was nearing nuclear weapon capability, though U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently testified there was no evidence Iran had resumed its nuclear weapons program since halting it in 2003.Despite Gabbard’s assessment, Trump insisted: “I don’t care what she said. I think they were very close.”Israeli Strikes Expand to Media Targets, Military LeadershipIsrael escalated its assault Monday, targeting Iran’s military leadership and even state media infrastructure. A strike on the Iranian State TV’s headquarters in Tehran caused part of the building to catch fire, although broadcasts reportedly continued.Israel Defense Forces said the network served as a “tool for propaganda and incitement” and justified the strike as part of a broader campaign to dismantle the Iranian regime’s capacity for warfare.In a major blow to Iran’s military command, Israel confirmed the assassination of General Ali Shadmani, the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, just days after his predecessor was also killed. The IDF called Shadmani the closest advisor to Supreme Leader Khamenei and a central figure in military planning.The intensifying conflict has sparked mass evacuations in Iran. A dashcam video showed a massive explosion in Isfahan as panicked civilians tried to flee. Iran’s casualty count remains at 220, with many believed to be civilians. In Israel, a missile strike in Petah Tikva killed four people, including two children.Israeli defense spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said 30 Iranian missiles were launched Monday night—most were intercepted, but several caused damage. “We must not be complacent,” he warned. “The Iranians still have the intent and capability to strike.”Civilians on both sides are bearing the brunt of the escalation. “I’m not prepared for this,” said Israeli-American Lihi Griner, who sheltered with her family as a missile struck nearby. “Even our safe room was shaking.”As regional tensions spiral, Trump’s refusal to support a ceasefire and Israel’s continued offensive signal that the conflict may be far from over.
