Washington (AP) – President Donald Trump indicated that a nuclear agreement with Iran remains “achievable” after urging Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to evacuate as he cut short his international summit visit to return to Washington for an urgent meeting with his national security team.
Trump reached the White House shortly after opting to assume his presidential duties early on Tuesday. Israel has inflicted significant damage on Iran with a five-day missile campaign and believes it could severely impact Tehran’s nuclear initiatives, especially if it receives additional support from the Republican president.
However, escalating American involvement—perhaps by supplying Israel with bunker-busting bombs to penetrate deep underground Iranian nuclear facilities or offering other direct US military assistance—could pose considerable political risks for Trump.
Upon returning to Washington, Trump expressed frustration at Iranian leaders for failing to secure an agreement. He mentioned he is now seeking a “real resolution” to the conflict and a “total relinquishment” of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
“They should have reached an agreement. I told them, ‘I’ll facilitate a deal,'” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force 1. “So I’m uncertain. I don’t feel inclined to negotiate extensively.”
Iran has asserted that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, and US intelligence has assessed that Tehran is not actively pursuing bombs.
Trump, who initially planned to consult with his advisors in the situation room, seems to be gradually building a public case for a more direct role in the hostilities. His shift in tone coincides with the US having relocated warships and regional military aircraft in anticipation of an escalation in the Israeli-Iranian conflict.
Trump departed the G7 early
The White House announced on Monday that while Trump was attending the G7 Summit in Canada’s Rockies, he would truncate his visit.
“In simple terms, Iran must not possess nuclear weapons,” he stated via social media. “I have reiterated this consistently! Everyone must be cautious of Tehran immediately!”
When questioned about his comments regarding evacuation on Air Force 1, Trump told reporters, “I prioritize people’s safety.”
“We’re seeking more than just a ceasefire. A ceasefire is not our goal,” Trump clarified.
Trump indicated he hasn’t dismissed diplomatic avenues and could send Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to engage with the Iranians.
He also dismissed Congressional testimony from National Intelligence Director Tarsi Gabbard, who informed lawmakers in March that US intelligence agencies did not believe Iran was developing nuclear weapons.
“I disregard her statements,” Trump asserted. “I believe they were very close to achieving it.”
Speculation grows about Trump’s potential direct engagement
Israeli officials claim their strikes have neutralized Iranian air defenses, allowing them to target any site across the nation freely. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israeli fire will persist until Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities are dismantled.
To date, Israel has attacked multiple nuclear facilities in Iran, but the Fordow enrichment plant remains unscathed.
This site is extensively buried underground, and Israel may require a 30,000-pound GBU-57 bomb to neutralize it. However, they currently lack sufficient munitions or bomber capacity for such an operation, which typically involves B-2 stealth aircraft.
Israel’s defenses have largely withstood Iranian counter-strikes, although some of Tehran’s missiles have penetrated and caused fatalities.
The White House dispatched Defense Secretary Pete Hegses for a primetime television segment amid escalating concerns about Trump’s leanings towards increased involvement. Heggs stated on Fox News that “of course” Trump desires a resolution to curb Iran’s nuclear program.
“His stance remains unchanged,” Heggs remarked. “What you observe in real-time is primarily a push for peace via American initiatives. Our objective is to bolster our position. We adopt a defensive posture within our community to strengthen the pursuit of peaceful agreements, and we sincerely hope this will materialize here.”
Trump continues to urge Iran to negotiate on its nuclear agenda
Meanwhile, Trump refrained from detailing what it would require for the US to become more directly involved when engaging with reporters alongside G7 attendees. Instead, he persistently encouraged Iran to initiate talks regarding its nuclear endeavors.
Notably, Trump has been attempting to restrain Netanyahu amid the ongoing conflict. He rejected the plan presented to the US regarding remarks from Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly not permitted to address this sensitive topic, according to a US official familiar with the situation.
Israeli officials recently informed the Trump administration that they had developed a credible strategy to eliminate Khamenei.
Increasing rifts among Trump supporters regarding Iran
Trump reacted defensively when questioned about some of his loyalists in the media, including conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, who suggested that further US involvement would betray those supporters attracted by his pledge to end the nation’s participation in costly, protracted wars.
“Someone please clarify to Carlson that ‘Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons!'” the president wrote on social media.
Moreover, other prominent Trump allies have expressed concerns regarding the extent of the president’s support for Israel.
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk are notable Trump associates who emphasized that voters backed Trump based on his promises to avoid entanglement in foreign conflicts and approach Middle Eastern affairs cautiously.
He campaigned on the vow to swiftly conclude the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, yet he struggles to delineate a clear resolution for both.
However, Senator Lindsey Graham has emerged as a Trump supporter advocating for a robust commitment to Israel in the efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
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Associated Press authors Josh Balk, Tara Kopp, Darlene Superyu, and Will Weissart contributed to this report.
Source: apnews.com