US President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested that the war against Iran could end only if the country’s military is dismantled and its leadership removed from power, signalling a tougher stance from United States as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was not currently interested in negotiating with Tehran. He added that the ongoing air campaign could make negotiations irrelevant if Iran’s military capabilities are destroyed and its leadership eliminated.
“At some point, I don’t think there will be anybody left maybe to say, ‘We surrender,’” Trump said.
His remarks came as Israel and Iran exchanged fresh attacks, with the US-Israel-Iran conflict entering its second week. Trump indicated that the war might effectively end if Iran is left without a functioning military structure or leadership.
Earlier in the day, Trump also mocked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian after he issued a televised apology to neighbouring Gulf states for Tehran’s actions during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel that began on February 28.
“The temporary leadership council announced that there will be no more attacks on neighbouring countries and no missile launches unless attacks originate from those countries against Iran,” Pezeshkian said in the address. “I apologise to the neighbouring countries. We have no intention of invading other countries.”
While the statement was seen as an attempt to ease tensions with Gulf neighbours, Trump dismissed the move, saying Iran’s promise came only after sustained military pressure from the United States and Israel.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had apologised and pledged not to target neighbouring countries because of what he described as relentless US and Israeli attacks, adding that Tehran had been defeated in the regional conflict.
With inputs from Reuters
