Iran wants “ceasefire”; Donald Trump aims for “real end”

International Desk

Dhaka, June 17, 2025 (BDD) — On the fifth day of the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran, Iran has urgently called for a ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump is emphasizing a “real end” to the conflict instead of a ceasefire. Iran has requested Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to pressure Trump to stop Israel’s aggression, offering in return a promise of flexibility in nuclear negotiations.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X, “If Trump is sincere in diplomacy and wants to stop the war, the next steps are crucial. Israel must stop its aggression; otherwise, our response will continue.” He stated that if Israel halts its attacks, Iran is prepared to suspend uranium enrichment for one to three years and accept strict inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Oman is drafting a ceasefire proposal that includes recognition of Iran’s peaceful nuclear rights and demands the lifting of sanctions.

Meanwhile, Trump hastily returned to Washington from the G7 summit in Canada and told reporters, “I’m not looking at a ceasefire; we want something better—a real end.” He demanded “Iran’s complete surrender” on the condition that Iran fully abandons its nuclear program.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, “I have not taken any initiative for peace talks with Iran. Many lives would have been saved if they had accepted the deal I offered.” He refuted French President Emmanuel Macron’s claim that Trump left the G7 for a ceasefire, stating his goal is “much bigger than that.”

Trump’s stance has shown duality. Before Israel’s attacks, he supported a diplomatic solution and vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, after the attacks began, he expressed support for Israel, though he stated the US would refrain from direct involvement. He urged Tehran residents to “leave the city immediately,” causing widespread panic in Tehran. Heavy traffic jams and fuel shortages have emerged.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Iran’s Supreme Leader of the fate of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Israel claims to have killed several Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, including top military commander Ali Shademani, in Tehran and taken control of Iran’s airspace. However, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reported that while significant damage occurred at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, the Fordow facility was less affected, and Iran’s nuclear program has not been completely destroyed.

Iran’s Health Ministry reported that 224 people have been killed in Israeli attacks so far, while Iranian missile strikes have killed 24 in Israel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have targeted Israel’s Mossad and military intelligence centers in Tel Aviv.

Posts on X show that Trump’s warning for Tehran residents to evacuate has spread panic in the city, with many criticizing Trump’s decision to abandon the nuclear deal. However, Trump’s supporters back his “maximum pressure” policy, believing it will force Iran to negotiate.

Iran’s call for a ceasefire and Trump’s hardline stance have added new dimensions to tensions in the Middle East. Analysts believe Trump’s ambiguous strategy and Israel’s aggressive attacks could further complicate the conflict.