Trump: "I want a 'real end' to Iran's nuclear program"... Faces critical decision

Amid ongoing military confrontations between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that he wants a 'real end'—meaning Iran's complete abandonment of its nuclear ambitions.

While leaving open the possibility of sending a key aide as a special envoy to Iran, there is speculation whether the U.S. will get Iran to accept its nuclear agreement or support Israel in completely destroying Iran's nuclear facilities—a critical decision point.

On the 17th (local time), citing the Middle East crisis, President Trump abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada and returned home.

He indicated the urgency of the situation by stating that it was preferable to receive information directly from officials at the White House rather than through telephone reports.

During a CBS interview aboard Air Force One, President Trump again stated his wish for a 'real end'—Iran's complete renunciation of nuclear ambitions.

Earlier, on his social media platform Truth Social, he wrote that his return home was "not related to a ceasefire" and that "something much bigger is at play."

Immediately after disembarking from his flight, President Trump told reporters, "I'm not looking for a ceasefire. I want something better than a ceasefire," stressing his commitment to a complete solution.

President Trump underscored two possible options for resolving the Iran nuclear issue: direct negotiations or overwhelming force, and in the CBS interview also left open the possibility of sending Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance as special envoys to Iran.

However, he added, "Things could change when I get back," implying he would not rush into negotiations solely to end the current conflict.

The Trump administration demanded the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear fuel production facilities during negotiations, but Iran did not accept this condition.

In the CBS interview, President Trump assessed Iran's nuclear capabilities, saying, "They came very close. I believe they were just on the verge of obtaining a weapon," and in response to whether Iran's nuclear program would be destroyed if the U.S. intervened, he said, "I hope it is completely dismantled well before (any U.S. intervention)."

Military experts believe that Iran's deeply-buried nuclear facilities can only be destroyed with the U.S. bunker-buster GBU-57 and a B-2 strategic bomber.

Since Israel possesses neither weapon, it is pointed out that U.S. assistance is essential for the complete destruction of Iran's nuclear sites.

Reportedly, President Trump is weighing the option of providing Israel with GBU-57 and B-2 bomber support.

Axios, a U.S. political media outlet, interpreted that President Trump is using these weapons, capable of destroying Iran’s deeply buried mountain nuclear sites, as leverage in negotiations with Iran.

By offering Iran only two choices—give up its nuclear program completely through negotiation or submit to force and have its nuclear facilities destroyed by bunker busters—President Trump is believed to be increasing his negotiating power.

However, should the U.S. directly intervene in a clash between Iran and Israel, it could trigger unprecedented turbulence in international affairs; for now, President Trump is openly supporting Israel’s continued offensive against Iran.

Boh Bae Lee, Hankyung.com Contributing Reporter newsinfo@hankyung.com