Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Mar 6: US President Donald Trump on Friday hardened his stance on Iran, stating that there will be “no deal” with the country except its “unconditional surrender” as the Middle East conflict escalates into a broader war.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic pathway could emerge. “After that, and the selection of a great and 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 added that the United States and its allies would help revive Iran’s economy and ensure a prosperous future for the country. “Iran will have a great future. Make Iran Great Again!” he said, echoing his well-known “Make America Great Again” slogan.
His remarks came nearly a week after the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks that have expanded the conflict across the region and placed several Gulf nations on alert.
Earlier, Trump also indicated that he wants to play a direct role in shaping Iran’s political future. In an interview with Axios, the US President said he would like to be personally involved in selecting the country’s next leader, similar to his approach in Venezuela.
He also criticised Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the prospect of a “lightweight” like him leading the Islamic republic would be “unacceptable”.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said some countries have begun mediation efforts to end the war with the US and Israel. However, he did not specify which nations were involved.
Countries including Qatar, Turkey, Egypt and Oman have reportedly offered to mediate since the US and Israeli strikes began last weekend.
Despite diplomatic signals, military operations in the region show no signs of easing. The Israel Defense Forces said it is entering a “new stage” of its campaign against Iran, while US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that American attacks on Iran could “surge dramatically” in the coming days.