Monday, 25 May 2026
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters upon arriving at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey [Manuel Balce Ceneta/The Associated Press]
Trump says he will not pressure Israel to halt strikes against Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump stated he does not plan to urge Israel to stop its airstrikes on Iran to allow ongoing negotiations with Tehran, according to remarks reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in New Jersey, Trump explained that the current situation on the ground makes such a request “very difficult.”
He said, "It’s very hard to make that request right now. If one side is making progress, it’s much easier than for the side that’s losing.” He added, “We are ready, willing, and able, and we have had talks with Iran — we’ll see what happens.”
While Trump said he could support a ceasefire in principle, he stressed, “It’s very hard to stop operations. When you look at the situation, Israel is doing well in the war, and I think it’s fair to say that Iran is not doing so well. That makes it hard to convince anyone to stop.”
In addition, Trump rejected assessments from U.S. intelligence agencies suggesting there is no evidence that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon. He criticized Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s statement on the matter, asserting, “She’s wrong.”
These comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and increased international concern over the conflict between Israel and Iran.