US President Donald Trump has ruled out a ceasefire with Iran, stating the United States is focused on achieving its military objectives.
Speaking from the White House on Friday (20 March), Trump said “We could have dialogue, but I don’t want to do a ceasefire,” Trump said from the White House South Lawn before departing for Florida. “You know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”
In a Truth Social post later Friday afternoon, Trump claimed that the U.S. is “getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East.”
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed a temporary easing of sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea. The measure, in effect until 19 April, is intended to increase global supply, although analysts say the market impact may be limited.
The Pentagon is also expanding its military presence. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said US operations are intensifying, with deeper strikes into Iranian territory and additional forces deploying, including around 4,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Boxer group.
Total US troop levels in the region are expected to rise from approximately 50,000 to nearly 60,000, alongside the deployment of multiple warships and air assets.
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