Trump Casts Doubts on Iran’s Ceasefire Request, Says Israel is ‘winning’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump expressed skepticism over pausing Israel’s offensive against Iran, citing Israel’s battlefield momentum. Iran reiterated it won’t negotiate with the U.S. while Israeli strikes continue. European diplomatic efforts made limited progress, with no new proposals or breakthrough achieved.
Quick Look
- Trump doubts timing for Iran ceasefire, emphasizing Israel’s strong footing.
- Says ceasefire is “very hard” when one side is winning.
- U.S. envoy maintaining contacts with Iran despite current hostilities.
- Iran refuses direct negotiations while Israel continues strikes.
- Iran open to diplomacy once aggression stops.
Trump Casts Doubts Iran’s Ceasefire Request, Says Israel is ‘winning’
Deep Look
Trump’s stance on ceasefire tied to Israel’s battlefield advantage
President Trump stated Friday that pausing Israel’s military campaign against Iran to allow direct U.S.–Iran negotiations would be “very hard” because Israel is “doing well” in degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Speaking at the Air Force One tarmac, Trump said: “If somebody is winning, it’s a little bit harder to do than if somebody is losing,” though he emphasized the U.S. remains “ready, willing and able” to engage diplomatically. He added that “we’ve been speaking to Iran… we’ll see what happens,” referencing envoys led by Steve Witkoff. Trump also suggested he “might” support a ceasefire under certain circumstances but reiterated that Iran is “doing less well” in the conflict.
Background: Iran resisting negotiations amid Israeli strikes
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, met European diplomats in Geneva Friday and reiterated that Iran will not engage directly with the United States while Israel maintains its air campaign. European officials described the meeting as an opportunity to broaden discussions beyond nuclear issues to include missiles, regional proxies, and detainees. While Araghchi signaled Iran’s potential willingness to limit uranium enrichment to nuclear-deal levels, he firmly rejected moving toward zero enrichment— a U.S. demand. Iran is open to further diplomacy but insists Israel cease its airstrikes first.
Trump sets a two-week decision window
Friday’s developments occurred as the U.S. president remains within his earlier two-week deadline for choosing whether to back Israel’s air campaign with U.S. military force. His position is influenced by complex signals—he supports Israel’s ongoing operation but is also publicizing conditions for negotiation. Trump’s contrasting rhetoric—from warning Iran of dire consequences unless it “makes a deal” to hinting at a ceasefire—reflects a strategy aimed at keeping pressure on Tehran.
Europe’s diplomatic push constrained by Israel’s success
European leaders, including officials from the EU, U.K., France, and Germany, have urged Iran to engage in diplomacy—including concessions on nuclear and regional security issues—even as Israeli strikes intensify. While Iran indicated openness to discussions, it remains steadfast in its refusal to negotiate while Israeli aggression continues. The E3 ministers emphasized the escalating urgency of finding a negotiated nuclear deal. However, Trump downplayed Europe’s role, asserting that Iran prefers talking to the U.S., not European intermediaries.
Shifting dynamics and high-stakes timing
Araghchi is set to meet again in Istanbul with OIC ministers and then travel to Moscow to consult with President Putin, delaying another round of European discussions. This sequencing may consume much of Trump’s two-week decision timeframe, complicating U.S. calculations. Iran maintains that serious negotiations will only be possible once Israeli strikes stop. In contrast, Trump appears to interpret Israel’s battlefield dominance as leverage—but also a barrier to diplomatic momentum.
Broader implications
Trump’s position ties U.S. diplomatic flexibility to Israel’s military success rather than Iran’s diplomatic concessions. This stance raises several questions: Will Israel’s current advantage justify delaying ceasefire? How long before the U.S. announces its position on direct involvement? And crucially, can Europe make progress in bridging the gap between security-driven Israeli demands and Iran’s insistence on halting hostilities?
With the Middle East on edge, the next 14 days will be pivotal in determining whether the conflict escalates further or opens a narrow window for peace. As Israel presses ahead militarily, glowing American support may reinforce Israeli gains—but it may also prolong the humanitarian and diplomatic standoff at the center of the crisis.
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