Washington/Tehran, Mar 7 (Daijiworld Media Network): Tensions in the Middle East escalated further as US President Donald Trump declared that there would be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender,” while Iran warned that European countries could become “legitimate targets” if they join the United States and Israel in military action against Tehran.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump asserted that negotiations with Iran would only happen if Tehran accepts “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”.
He added that following such a move, there would be “the selection of a great and acceptable leader or leaders,” suggesting a possible political change in Iran.
Trump also said the United States and its “wonderful and very brave allies and partners” would work “tirelessly” to bring Iran “from the brink of destruction,” and claimed the country could become economically “bigger, better and stronger than ever before”.
“Iran will have a great future,” Trump wrote, adding the slogan “Make Iran Great Again (MIGA)”.
Meanwhile, Iran issued a stern warning to European nations over the growing conflict.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said that any country supporting the US and Israel in military action against Iran would be considered a legitimate target for retaliation.
“If any country joins America and Israel in the aggression against Iran, they will also become legitimate targets for Iran’s retaliation,” Takht-Ravanchi said in an interview with France 24.
He also accused the United States of betraying diplomacy, stating that Iranian officials had been negotiating with Washington “in good faith” before the US launched attacks alongside Israel.
“We do not trust the Americans. Not only did they betray us, but they betrayed diplomacy,” he said.
Takht-Ravanchi described Iran’s recent military response as defensive, claiming that the conflict had been “imposed” on Tehran by the United States and Israel.
The latest statements reflect the rapidly intensifying rhetoric surrounding the ongoing conflict, raising fears of a wider regional escalation involving additional international players.