“Moderate” exchanges of fire are within normal parameters in the region, according to the US president
A ceasefire in the Middle East does not always mean that shooting stops entirely, US President Donald Trump has said, after reporters pressed him on the latest military exchanges involving Iran.
US forces this week reportedly targeted a tanker destined for Iran’s Kharg Island, triggering an Iranian missile and drone barrage targeting US bases in Kuwait. One projectile devastated the Gulf state’s international airport terminal. Additionally, over the weekend, the US carried out what it described as “self-defense” airstrikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island.
Speaking at a White House press conference on Wednesday, Trump downplayed the latest Iranian attacks, arguing that Tehran was simply responding to previous US military action. He maintained that the armistice between the US and Iran remains in force.
“It’s a different part of the world,” Trump said. “I’d say in that part of the world, ceasefire is when you’re shooting in a more moderate manner.”
US President Trump, speaking about Iran, commented on the different meanings of the term “ceasefire” depending on the region of the world:
“In this part of the world, a ceasefire means that you’re shooting more moderately…” pic.twitter.com/EWGvRFIV23
— S p r i n t e r (@SprinterPress) June 4, 2026
Before an initial truce was announced on April 7, more than 3,400 people had been reported killed in Iran by American and Israeli strikes. The US said 13 military service members died, with more than 300 others injured in the line of duty. Military personnel and civilians were also killed in Arab states hosting US bases, which Tehran targeted during the conflict.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: rt.com
