Overview
- Posting on Truth Social, the president ruled out negotiations short of Iran’s unconditional surrender and pledged postwar reconstruction only after the installation of “great & acceptable” leadership under a “Make Iran Great Again” banner.
- Trump said he wants direct involvement in selecting Iran’s next leader, called Mojtaba Khamenei unacceptable, and signaled openness to a non‑democratic or religious figure if they align with U.S. interests.
- The White House press secretary defined “unconditional surrender” as the point at which Iran no longer poses a threat and said objectives of Operation Epic Fury could be achieved in four to six weeks, adding that U.S. agencies are evaluating potential leadership candidates.
- Regional fighting continued with Israeli strikes on targets in Tehran and Beirut and Iranian drone and missile launches toward Israel and Gulf states, while U.S. officials reported six American service members killed since the campaign began.
- Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said some countries have begun mediation efforts, but Trump’s terms and U.S. statements suggest a negotiated end will require Tehran’s capitulation first.