Trump: 'I don't want to do a ceasefire' in Iran war [View all]

Source: CNBC

Published Fri, Mar 20 2026 3:48 PM EDT Updated 12 Min Ago


President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday he is not interested in a ceasefire with Iran.“We could have dialogue, but I don’t want to do a ceasefire,” Trump said from the White House before departing for Florida. “You know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.” “They don’t have a navy. They don’t have an air force. They don’t have any equipment,” Trump continued.

Trump’s comments come nearly three weeks into the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, which has turned into a broader regional conflict. They signal no quick end to the conflict, which sent stocks tumbling on Friday and has caused oil prices to soar.

Earlier the same day Trump said in a phone call with MS Now’s Stephanie Ruhle the U.S. could end the war “right now,” but planned to press on with its offensive.“I think we’ve won,” he said Friday from the South Lawn. “All they’re doing is blocking up the Strait [of Hormuz]. But from a military standpoint, they’re finished.”

Iran has effectively blocked off the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for oil and other goods, since the start of the war. Trump has blasted NATO allies in an attempt to recruit additional troops to help open the strait.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/20/trump-iran-war-ceasefire.html