Trump says US will not return to war against Iran unless American troops are killed - report

US President Donald Trump has signaled to his aides that the current ceasefire with Iran will only be terminated if Tehran takes the lives of American troops, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing several US officials.

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US President Donald Trump told aides will only end the ceasefire with Iran if Tehran kills American troops

Tehran's recent strikes on US bases in the Middle East have reportedly intensified pressure on the president, casting doubt on the ceasefire's durability. However, Trump's apparent hesitation to escalate defensive strikes into a full-scale war indicates a potential willingness to endure Iranian attacks to prevent wider escalation, according to the WSJ.

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I think there’s a tactical game that is being played

This stance comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNBC that the US and Israel would resume military action against Iran if necessary. "I think there’s a tactical game that is being played," Netanyahu said, leaving the decision for escalation in Trump's hands. "Iran surely knows what [Trump] has said, that if necessary, there will be a full-scale return to military action. It’s a president’s decision, Israel is ready, and the US forces are ready."

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Iran surely knows what [Trump] has said, that if necessary, there will be a full-scale return to military action. It’s a president’s decision, Israel is ready, and the US forces are ready.