Trump asserts Iran conflict unlikely to resume, says he is number one on Tehran's 'kill list'
Donald Trump says he does not expect another war with Iran, declares the ceasefire effectively over, and signals reluctance to resume talks with Tehran
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed confidence that tensions with Iran would not escalate into another round of fighting, even as he indicated that, from his perspective, the ceasefire arrangement with Tehran had effectively come to an end.
Speaking after the 2026 NATO Summit in Turkiye, Trump projected that any future confrontation would be brief rather than prolonged.
No new war?
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, "I don't think it's going to start again." He argued that previous military exchanges had demonstrated the US' willingness to respond forcefully.
"They hit a couple of ships, and so we hit them much harder. When they hit, we hit 10 times harder," he said as quoted by ANI.
Trump was also questioned about reported threats against him from Iran. Acknowledging the risks associated with holding the nation's highest office, he dismissed concerns about his personal safety.
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"You should have told me that years ago... it's a very dangerous profession," he said before adding, "I'm number one on the kill list for Iran."
Despite the claim, Trump insisted he remained focused on his responsibilities, saying, "I don't really care because I'm doing my job, and I'm doing it, I hope, better than anybody's ever done it."
'Let's just finish the job'
As for diplomacy, Trump appeared increasingly skeptical about continuing negotiations with Tehran. "I'm not sure I want to make a deal with them," he said, adding, "Let's just finish the job."
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Trump also delivered sharp criticism of Iran's leadership, describing them as "a little loco" and "a little crazy." He went further, calling them "scum" and arguing that "they have to be stopped," while claiming his actions were intended to protect both the US and global security.
Trump said that any future military action would conclude swiftly and ultimately strengthen stability. "Anything that happens is going to be over very quickly," he said, adding that it would make the region safer and keep oil supplies flowing freely.
Ceasefire 'over'
He pointed to what he described as a "gusher of oil" and emphasized that Washington was "not looking for long-term" conflict with Iran.
Earlier, Trump declared that the ceasefire was effectively finished from his standpoint and ruled out further direct engagement with Tehran.
"To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore," he said, while adding that although Iranian negotiators "want to negotiate," any renewed discussions would have to come back to him because, "as far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them."