Trump on Israel-Iran Conflict: "Sometimes Countries Have to Fight It Out"

Refuses to Answer Question on Requesting Israel to Halt Airstrikes
On Israel Relations: "Mutual Respect"...Expresses Support
Hints at 'New Trade Agreements' at G7 Summit

On the 15th (local time), US President Donald Trump addressed the escalating Middle East crisis amid intensifying clashes between Israel and Iran. While urging both sides to negotiate, he also stated, "Sometimes countries have to fight it out to resolve things." He reaffirmed his existing position of supporting Israel.

Before departing the White House to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, President Trump told reporters, "I hope an agreement (for a ceasefire) between Israel and Iran will be reached. I think it is time to negotiate." He added, "We'll see what happens," and emphasized, "I think this is a good time for negotiations."

When asked whether he had requested Israel to halt airstrikes against Iran, President Trump avoided a direct answer, saying, "I don't want to comment on that." He particularly stressed continued support for the defense of Israel, a key ally in the Middle East, against retaliatory strikes from Iran, stating, "I have a very good relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. We respect each other."

These remarks came amid reports that President Trump had rejected Israel's plan to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US media outlets such as Reuters and the Associated Press reported this on the same day, citing anonymous US government officials.

Regarding whether very good trade deals could be announced at the G7 summit, President Trump said, "Look, we have our very good deals," and added, "All we have to do is send a letter, and that's what you have to pay." He continued, "However, I think we can reach some new trade agreements."

During a visit to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on the 11th, President Trump had previously said that in about a week and a half (ten days) or two weeks, "letters will be sent to each country," and explained, "This will be called a 'deal,' and you can either accept it or reject it."

Currently, the Trump administration is pursuing bilateral trade agreements with 18 countries, including India, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union (EU). South Korea is one of the priority countries. Howard Lutnick, US Secretary of Commerce, stated that the EU would be the last in line due to the negotiation difficulties arising from the interests of its 27 member states.