Donald Trump declares he wants a 'complete end' to Iran’s nuclear weapons programme

17 June 2025, 10:54 | Updated: 17 June 2025, 14:11

Donald Trump has declared he wants ‘better than a ceasefire’ and said he wants a ‘real end’ to Iran’s nuclear threat.

Speaking to reporters on board Air Force One, Mr Trump said: “I didn't say I was looking for a ceasefire.” He said he wants a ‘real end’ with Iran to give up “entirely” its ambitions to have nuclear weapons.

Mr Trump added he hoped the Iranian nuclear programme would be "wiped out long before" US involvement was required.

“The Israelis aren't slowing up their barrage on Iran,” CBS reported the president as saying. “You're going to find out over the next two days. You're going to find out. Nobody's slowed up so far.”

Trump's comments came just hours before Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes at the Iranian capital of Tehran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it believes Israeli air strikes on Iran's Natanz enrichment site have had "direct impacts" on the facility's underground centrifuge halls.

The strikes are part of an air campaign Israel launched against its long-time enemy five days ago, targeting Iran's military and nuclear programme.

This marks the first time the UN's nuclear watchdog has assessed damage from the strikes in the underground parts of Natanz, which is the main enrichment facility of Iran's nuclear programme.

"Based on continued analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday's attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz," the agency said.

Trump said he warned "everyone should evacuate Tehran" - as it was announced he would be departing the G7 leaders' summit early due to the situation in the Middle East.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has been top of the agenda at the summit of wealthy democracies, taking place in Canada.

In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Mr Trump criticised Iran for refusing to agree to a nuclear deal with his administration.

"What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON," he wrote.

"I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!"

He later added: "AMERICA FIRST means many GREAT things, including the fact that, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"

A new round of nuclear talks scheduled for the weekend between the US and Iran were cancelled after Israel's missile strikes.

Later on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on X that Mr Trump would be leaving the summit early, following a dinner with heads of state.

"Much was accomplished, but because of what's going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State," she said.

Downing Street declined to comment on Mr Trump's early exit.

In a statement agreed at the summit, G7 leaders described Iran as "the principal source of regional instability and terror" as conflict rages in the Middle East, adding they "affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself".

The statement, agreed before Mr Trump left the conference early on Monday evening, also includes a call for a "ceasefire in Gaza".

The statement said: "We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.

"In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel. We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians.

"Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror. We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

"We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability."

Iran said at least 224 people had been killed in the country since strikes began on Friday, while Israeli officials said 24 people had been killed and more than 500 injured.

The back-and-forth between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about all-out war between the rival nations.

The latest conflict kicked off on Friday, when Israel launched an attack on top Iranian military leaders and the country's nuclear programme.

Read more: Israel accused of 'war crime' after bombing Iran's state TV studio live on air and warning it would 'disappear'

Read more: 'Israel has right to defend itself - and Iran cannot have nuclear weapons', say world leaders at G7 summit in Canada

Following this, Trump then blasted French President Macron over his early exit, saying he "always gets it wrong".

"Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a "cease fire" between Israel and Iran. Wrong!

"He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire.

"Much bigger than that. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned!"

Caller Som has a warning from history as Israel and Iran conflict escalates

Iran retaliated by firing waves of missiles at Israel.

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer urged British nationals in Israel to register their presence there as countries step up efforts to bring back stranded citizens.

The Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Israel, but Britons already in the country now face difficulties getting home, with the airspace closed due to the conflict with Iran.

The Prime Minister said the UK was issuing advice for British citizens in Israel to register their presence.

"All of us are giving advice to our citizens for British nationals in Israel, we're giving advice today to register their presence, so there will be a portal for that," he said.

Downing Street said its key message to British nationals in Israel was to stay near shelter and follow the advice of local authorities.