Trump announces he is not open to a ceasefire with Iran

US President Donald Trump answered questions from journalists as he was leaving the White House. Responding to questions regarding military operations against Iran and the possibility of dialogue, Trump clearly opposed the idea, stating, “I don't want a ceasefire. You know, you don't make a ceasefire when you are literally destroying the other side.”

Regarding whether Israel and the US would end their attacks simultaneously, Trump pointed to the strong relationship between the two countries and said, “I think so. Our relationship is very good. We want more or less the same things. What do we want? We both want victory.”

Continuing his remarks on the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated that the US has withdrawn from maritime traffic in the region since the current crisis began. Trump added that he believes Europe, South Korea, Japan, and especially China should take a more active role in this sensitive region.

In his military assessment regarding Iran, Trump expressed the view, “Militarily, all they do is block the strait. From a military perspective, they are finished.”

At the end of last month, while negotiations between the Tehran and Washington administrations were ongoing, the US and Israel launched a comprehensive military operation against Iran on February 28.

In response, Iran carried out attacks on various targets in both Israel and countries where US military bases are located, such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain.

It was reported that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many high-level officials lost their lives in these conflicts, and according to Iranian authorities, the death toll has exceeded 1,348, with the number of injured surpassing 17,000.