Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” escalating his demands a week into the war he launched alongside Israel. His remarks came after Iran’s president said unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts.
Trump’s statement and leadership demands
Trump made the comments on social media, writing: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
He added that after that, and the selection of “a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s),” the United States and “allies and partners” would work to “bring Iran back from the brink of destruction,” making it “economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”
On Thursday, Trump told Reuters in a telephone interview that he was demanding the right to help select Iran’s new supreme leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the war’s first day.
Israeli attacks in Beirut and Iran
Israel pounded the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday after ordering what was described as an unprecedented evacuation of the entire southern suburbs of the city, in an expansion of the war.
Israel also launched a new wave of attacks on Iran, saying 50 of its warplanes struck a bunker beneath the destroyed Tehran compound of Khamenei that it said was still being used by Iran’s leadership after he was killed.
Iran cites mediation efforts and vows to defend country
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X: “Some countries have begun mediation efforts,” without identifying the countries or providing details.
He added: “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.”
Under Iran’s system, the president is subordinate to the supreme leader, but Pezeshkian is now serving on a panel that has assumed Khamenei’s duties.
What impact could reported mediation efforts have on the trajectory of the conflict?
