US President Donald Trump said the United States will accept no deal with Iran except “unconditional surrender.” He made the statement a week after the US joined Israel in military operations against Tehran.
Trump shared the message on Truth Social. “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”, Trump said.
He added that the US and its allies will help rebuild Iran after the surrender and after the country selects new leadership.
“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,” he said.
Trump also said these efforts will focus on strengthening Iran’s economy.
Trump Gives No Deadline for Ending War
US President Trump has not set a timeline to end the conflict. In an interview with Time Magazine, he said the US could achieve its objectives within four to five weeks. However, he stressed that he is not working under a strict deadline.
He said he has “no time limits on anything” and wants “to get it done.”
Trump Wants Role in Choosing Iran’s Next Supreme Leader
Trump also said he wants to take part in choosing Iran’s next Supreme Leader. The position became vacant after the killing of Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials in a recent strike.
Trump said he wants to be “involved in the appointment” of the next leader.
Israel Expands the War
Meanwhile, Israel widened the conflict on Friday. Israeli forces struck Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Before the attack, Israel ordered residents to evacuate the southern suburbs of the city. The order marked a major escalation in the war.
The Israeli military also launched a new wave of attacks inside Iran. Officials said around 50 warplanes targeted a bunker under the destroyed compound of Khamenei in Tehran. According to the military, Iranian leaders continued to use the bunker even after Khamenei’s death.
Iran Mentions Mediation Efforts
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said some countries have started mediation efforts to reduce tensions. He wrote on X (Twitter), “Some countries have begun mediation efforts.”
However, he did not name the countries involved. “Let’s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest hesitation in defending the dignity and authority of our country. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict,” he added.
Iran’s Leadership After Khamenei
Under Iran’s system, the Supreme Leader holds the highest authority. The president works under that position.
After the death of Khamenei, Pezeshkian joined a temporary panel that now carries out the duties of the Supreme Leader until Iran selects a permanent successor.