US President Donald Trump said he is not seeking a ceasefire with Iran, but rather a "real end" to the Iranian nuclear program.
His remarks came while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington, following his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada.
"I didn't say I was looking for a ceasefire," Trump said, adding that "the real end" meant "complete abandonment" of nuclear weapons.
He indicated that he "might send U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President J.D. Vance to meet with the Iranians," adding, "It depends on what happens when I get back."
The US president claimed that Iran is "very close to possessing" a nuclear weapon, ignoring testimony from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in March, in which she confirmed that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.
Trump warned Tehran against harming American soldiers, stressing that he would "respond very forcefully if they take any action against our forces."
He also said that Israel would continue its attacks on Iran, adding: "You will find out in the next two days. You will find out. No one has slowed down so far."
He also expressed hope that Iran's nuclear program would be eliminated "long before" any possible US intervention.
Trump concluded his statement by noting that his call for Tehran residents to leave the city stemmed from his concern for the safety of civilians.
