Trump: I Do Not Want a Ceasefire

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON - After claiming that Iran has been weakened, US President Donald Trump on Friday (20/3/2026) said that he does not support a ceasefire in the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. The statement came just a few hours after Trump mentioned wanting to open dialogue with Iran.

“I do not want to do a ceasefire. You know, you do not do a ceasefire when you are really destroying the other side,” Trump said to reporters before leaving the White House.

When asked whether Israel would be ready to end the war at the same time as Washington, Trump replied: “I think so. The relationship is very good… We want roughly the same things… We want victory, both of us.”

The statement emerged a few hours after Trump mentioned wanting to open dialogue with Iran, but assessed that “there is no one to talk to” following weeks of US-Israel strikes that resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Ali Khamenei and Ali Larijani.

Iran has also rejected ceasefire talks, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating this week that the US is “responsible” for the war and its impacts on the broader region.

In his speech at the White House, Trump also belittled US dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route through which most oil shipments pass.

“We do not use that strait. We do not need it. Europe needs it. South Korea, Japan, China… So they must get a little involved,” he added.