US President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran has a different interpretation of what constitutes a ceasefire, claiming that for Tehran, a truce often means "shooting in a more moderate manner" rather than a complete halt to hostilities.
Speaking to reporters at the White House after fresh exchanges of fire between US and Iranian forces, Trump was asked how he would define a ceasefire. "Pretty much the way it is," he replied, adding that in that part of the world, "a ceasefire is when you're shooting in a more moderate manner." Smiling, he remarked, "It's not bad," before saying that ceasefires in the Middle East differ from those elsewhere.
Despite the latest flare-up, Trump struck an optimistic note, suggesting that the US and Iran could potentially reach a peace agreement "over the weekend."
His comments come as the fragile truce between Washington and Tehran faces renewed strain. Nearly a week has passed since US and Iranian negotiators reportedly agreed to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and begin a new round of talks over Iran's nuclear programme, subject to Trump's approval.
However, the proposed agreement has yet to move forward after Trump reportedly sought additional changes. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have shown little willingness to accept new demands, apparently calculating that Washington is reluctant to resume a full-scale military campaign after expending significant military resources during the conflict.
Reporter: How do you define ceasefire?
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 3, 2026
Trump: In that part of the world, ceasefire is when you're shooting in a more moderate manner pic.twitter.com/wXdr2EraDC
A series of strikes by both sides this week has heightened concerns that the ceasefire could unravel. The tensions follow Trump's repeated assertions since a 14-day ceasefire was reached on April 7—after 38 days of US and Israeli bombing operations in Iran—that a broader deal remains within reach and that Tehran is eager to negotiate a settlement.
