US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for a “real end” to the nuclear dispute with Iran, hinting at potential diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with the Islamic Republic. Speaking to reporters after departing the Group of Seven nations summit in Canada, Trump suggested he might send senior American officials to meet with Iran. “I may,” Trump said, when asked about the possibility of sending US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet with Iran.

The comments come as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify, with both sides exchanging heavy strikes for a fifth straight day. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that he could face the same fate as Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led invasion and eventually hanged after a trial. “I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and fire missiles at Israeli citizens,” Katz told top Israeli military officials.

Trump predicted that Israel would not be easing its attacks on Iran, saying, “You’re going to find out over the next two days. You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far.” He emphasized that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, stating, “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

The Israeli military has claimed control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate its campaign in the coming days. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have retaliated with missile strikes, including a “more powerful” new wave of missiles launched towards Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Iranian officials reporting 224 deaths, mostly civilians, and Israel saying 24 civilians had been killed.

World leaders meeting at the G7 summit have called for de-escalation, affirming Israel’s right to defend itself while emphasizing that Iran must never have nuclear weapons. French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that Trump had initiated a ceasefire proposal, but Trump disputed this, saying his departure from the summit had “nothing to do with” working on a ceasefire deal. “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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Tehran reportedly asking Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that Israel must halt its aggression for the conflict to cease, stating, “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential.”