Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that any deal with Iran must result in the country's "unconditional surrender," setting maximalist war objectives for the United States. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, he issued this demand, rejecting the prospect of compromise amid Iranian confirmation of diplomatic mediation to end the conflict. Trump's remarks represent a hardline stance aimed at establishing complete Washington dominance over Tehran.
Trump wrote in his post: "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before." This statement underscores the US regime's intent to interfere in Iran's internal affairs and install a compliant leadership.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had said earlier that some countries are engaging in mediation efforts to end the war, emphasising that Iran is committed to peace in the region but prepared to defend itself. Pezeshkian said in a social media statement: "Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict." Despite the moderate Iranian leader's peace overtures, Trump's uncompromising position maintains hostilities.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, triggering Iranian attacks across the Gulf and a war between Hezbollah and Israel, resulting in a mass displacement crisis in Lebanon. Iran has been launching missiles and drones at Israel and US interests in the region. Iranian forces have also targeted energy and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries, straining ties with the Arab world. The violence, which saw Iran largely succeed in closing the Strait of Hormuz, has sent global oil prices soaring.
Iranian officials have expressed defiance since the start of the war, stressing readiness for a prolonged conflict and ability to fend off a potential US ground invasion. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a message to Trump on Thursday that the US plan for a "clean rapid military victory failed." On Friday, a senior Iranian diplomat posted a photo of coffins of a mother and child, apparent victims of US-Israeli attacks, writing: "Our Brave and Powerful Armed Forces will avenge each and every Iranian targeted by hostile forces." According to UNICEF, the war has killed at least 1,332 people in Iran, including 181 children.
The Trump administration has pushed to project confidence and dominance over Iran, with top officials claiming the US would "rain missiles" and "death and destruction" on the country. In recent days, Trump has repeatedly stated he would like to replicate the Venezuela playbook in Iran—keeping the governing system in place but installing a leader friendly to US interests. On Wednesday, Trump said he must be "involved" in choosing the successor of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli attack on Saturday.
Trump told CNN on Thursday that the situation in Iran is going to work "easily" like in Venezuela, where Delcy Rodriguez replaced President Nicolas Maduro after his abduction by US forces in January. Rodriguez, previously Maduro's vice president, has allowed Washington to sell Venezuela's oil and cut petroleum supplies to Cuba under threat of further US strikes. Trump allegedly said he does not mind if Iran's next leader is a religious figure, as long as they treat the US and Israel well.
Source: www.aljazeera.com