President rejects ceasefire calls and slams Macron as ‘publicity seeking’ while racing back to Washington as Israel-Iran conflict enters fifth day with assassination of Tehran’s wartime chief
President Donald Trump has issued his most forceful ultimatum yet to Iran, demanding a “complete give-up” on its nuclear program and warning that America will “come down hard” on Tehran if provoked, as he dramatically cut short his appearance at the G7 summit in Canada.
In explosive comments aboard Air Force One, the president rejected any notion of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, declaring: “I’m not looking for a ceasefire, we’re looking at better than a ceasefire. An end, a real end, not a ceasefire.”
The extraordinary intervention came as the war between the arch-foes entered its fifth day, with Israel announcing it had assassinated Iran’s wartime chief of staff – the closest official to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Dramatic G7 Exit
Trump stunned fellow world leaders by refusing to sign a joint statement calling for de-escalation in the Middle East conflict before abruptly leaving the summit early.
“I have to get back to Washington early for obvious reasons,” the president told reporters, offering no further explanation for his sudden departure from the gathering in the Canadian Rockies.
His exit sparked immediate speculation about imminent US military action, particularly after Israeli media reported that US Central Command believes America should join Israel’s offensive if Trump gives the green light.
Macron Clash on Air Force One
In a remarkable display of diplomatic discord, Trump used his flight home to launch a blistering attack on French President Emmanuel Macron, who had suggested the US leader was returning to work on a ceasefire.
He’s publicity seeking,” Trump said of his French counterpart. “He’s a nice guy but he doesn’t get it right too often.”
The president furiously denied Macron’s claims, insisting there would be no let-up in Israel’s offensive against Iranian targets.
‘Nobody’s Slowed Up’
Trump painted a stark picture of the escalating conflict, warning reporters of major developments ahead.
The Israelis aren’t slowing up their barrage on Iran,” he stated. “You’re going to find out over the next two days. You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far.”
His comments came as Israeli forces continued their assault on Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure in what Jerusalem has dubbed “Operation Rising Lion.
US Military Build-Up
The Pentagon appears to be positioning forces for potential action in the Middle East:
- A carrier strike group is stationed in the Arabian Sea
- Three destroyers are already in position
- The USS Nimitz is expected to arrive in the region within days
An unidentified Israeli official told i24 News: “US Central Command thinks it should join, but there are senior officials in the administration who are currently opposing the move.
‘Immediate Evacuation’ Warning
Earlier, Trump had issued an ominous warning to Iranian civilians, calling for the “immediate evacuation of Tehran” while branding Iran “foolish” for not signing a nuclear deal before Israeli strikes began.
The president’s stark message suggested he believes the conflict could escalate dramatically in the coming hours or days.
Assassination of Top Iranian Official
In a significant blow to Tehran’s military command structure, Israel announced it had successfully assassinated Iran’s wartime chief of staff – identified as the official closest to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The killing came just days after Israel eliminated his predecessor in earlier strikes, demonstrating Jerusalem’s ability to penetrate Iran’s most senior leadership circles.
Nuclear Program in Crosshairs
Israel’s offensive, now in its fifth day, is specifically targeting Iran’s contested nuclear program, which Jerusalem views as an existential threat.
Trump made clear that nothing short of Iran’s total abandonment of its nuclear ambitions would satisfy Washington.
“Complete give-up,” he demanded, using unusually blunt language that signals a hardening of the US position.
What Happens Next?
With Trump racing back to Washington, US forces massing in the region, and Israel showing no signs of slowing its offensive, all eyes are on whether America will formally enter the conflict.
The president’s rejection of ceasefire efforts and his warning that the US will “come down hard” if provoked suggests a major escalation could be imminent.
As one senior administration source put it: “The next 48 hours will be critical.
