Within about eight hours, President Donald Trump shifted from suggesting a nuclear deal with Iran was still “achievable” to urging the 9.5 million residents of Tehran to evacuate for their safety. He cut short his trip to the G7 summit to return to Washington for urgent discussions with his national security team.
Trump arrived at the White House at a pivotal moment in his presidency. After five days of missile strikes, Israel has inflicted significant damage on Iran and believes it can now deliver a permanent blow to Tehran’s nuclear program—especially if it receives additional support from the Republican president.
However, deeper U.S. involvement, possibly including supplying Israel with bunker-buster bombs capable of reaching Iran’s underground nuclear facilities or other direct military assistance, carries major political risks for Trump.
On his way back, Trump expressed frustration with Iranian leaders for failing to reach a deal, calling for “a real end” to the conflict and a “complete give-up” of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“They should have done the deal. I told them, ‘Do the deal,’” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “So I don’t know. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.”
Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, and U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Tehran is not actively pursuing a nuclear bomb.
Trump, preparing to meet advisers in the Situation Room, appears to be building public support for a more direct American role. The U.S. has repositioned warships and aircraft in the region to respond if the conflict escalates.
The White House announced Trump’s early departure from the G7 summit in Canada on Monday. On social media, Trump wrote, “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
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When asked about the evacuation comment aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I just want people to be safe.”
“We’re looking at better than a ceasefire. We’re not looking for a ceasefire,” he added.
While not ruling out diplomacy, Trump said he might send Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Iranians.
He also dismissed testimony from National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who told Congress in March that U.S. intelligence agencies did not believe Iran was building a nuclear weapon.
“I don’t care what she said,” Trump said. “I think they were very close to having it.”
Israeli officials claim their offensive has destroyed much of Iran’s air defenses, enabling strikes across the country at will. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed bombardment will continue until Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities are eliminated.
Israel has hit multiple Iranian nuclear sites but has yet to destroy the deeply buried Fordo uranium enrichment facility.
Destroying Fordo may require the massive 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, delivered by a B-2 stealth bomber—munitions Israel lacks.
While Israel’s defenses remain mostly intact despite Iranian retaliation, some Iranian missiles have penetrated and caused deadly damage.
The White House sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for a prime-time TV appearance amid growing speculation about U.S. involvement. On Fox News, Hegseth said, “Of course” Trump wants a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program.
“His position has not changed,” Hegseth added. “You’re watching peace through strength and America first. Our job is to be strong. We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that’s what happens here.”
During the G7 summit, Trump declined to specify what might prompt more direct U.S. involvement but pressed Iran to negotiate immediately.
“They should talk, and they should talk immediately,” Trump said at a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. “I’d say Iran is not winning this war.”
Trump has restrained Netanyahu’s more aggressive plans, reportedly rejecting an Israeli proposal to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official who spoke anonymously.
Israel recently told the Trump administration it had a credible plan to assassinate Khamenei.
Within Trump’s MAGA base, a split is emerging over U.S. involvement in Iran.
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Trump criticized some supporters, including conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, who oppose expanding U.S. military engagement, writing on social media: “Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that, ‘IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!’”
Other prominent Trump allies, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, argue voters backed Trump to avoid new foreign conflicts.
Trump campaigned to quickly end wars in Gaza and Ukraine but has struggled to find an exit strategy.
Conversely, some supporters like Sen. Lindsey Graham call on Trump to fully back Israel and destroy Iran’s nuclear program, urging him to “go all-in.”
Source: With inputs from agency