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Trump demands Iran's surrender amid ongoing military strikes
US President Donald Trump has declared that Iran must accept an "unconditional surrender" as American and Israeli forces continue airstrikes into the second week of the conflict. The offensive follows the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, leaving Tehran's leadership in turmoil and sparking retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
Military campaign expected to last weeks
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated on Friday that the US anticipates the military operations to persist for another four to six weeks. She confirmed the administration's goal of "annihilating Iran's navy" while avoiding direct comparisons to past protracted conflicts like Iraq or Afghanistan.
Leavitt also emphasized that Trump seeks a leadership transition in Iran, ruling out any figure associated with "radical terrorism" or anti-American rhetoric. The president has previously drawn parallels to his administration's intervention in Venezuela earlier this year, where he backed a political successor after ousting Nicolás Maduro.
Leadership vacuum and diplomatic signals
With Iran's political future uncertain, Trump has indicated he expects to influence the selection of the country's next leader. Reports suggesting Khamenei's son, Mojtaba-a conservative tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-might assume power were dismissed by Trump as "unacceptable."
"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."
Donald Trump, via Truth Social
Despite his hardline stance, Trump has avoided explicitly calling for regime change, a term he criticized in past US interventions. Administration officials have echoed this caution, framing the campaign as a targeted effort rather than an open-ended occupation.
Regional escalation and foreign involvement
The conflict has expanded beyond Iran's borders, with Hezbollah launching attacks on Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes in Lebanon. On Friday, explosions rocked Beirut after Israel ordered evacuations in southern areas. Hezbollah has also warned civilians near the Lebanese border to flee.
Retaliatory drone and missile strikes have targeted US military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. A British base in Cyprus was hit on Sunday, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
Russia's role under scrutiny
Three sources, including a senior US official, told CBS News that Russia had shared intelligence with Iran, including the locations of American warships and aircraft. White House spokeswoman Leavitt downplayed the impact, stating it "was not making a difference."
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone, reaffirming Moscow's call for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic resolution. The Kremlin confirmed ongoing dialogue with Tehran but declined to comment on continued military cooperation.
Uncertain path forward
As the conflict intensifies, the terms for ending hostilities remain unclear. Trump's insistence on unconditional surrender contrasts with Russia's push for diplomacy, while Iran's leadership vacuum complicates negotiations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged Trump's awareness of foreign alliances but offered no further details on potential de-escalation steps.
(Updated 07 March 2026)
