Trump says ‘no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender’ as conflict escalates

US President Donald Trump has said there will be no negotiations with Iran unless the country agrees to an “unconditional surrender,” signalling a hardline stance as the conflict in West Asia continues to intensify.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

He added that after such a surrender and the selection of what he described as “great and acceptable” leadership in Iran, the United States and its allies would help rebuild the country and revive its economy.

Trump’s remarks come as the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has widened across the region, with continuing airstrikes, missile attacks and growing concerns about a broader Middle East conflict.

The US president’s comments effectively rule out diplomatic negotiations in the near term, despite reports that some countries are attempting to mediate between Tehran and Washington to end the fighting.

The conflict escalated after US- and Israeli-linked military operations targeted Iranian sites, prompting retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iran against Israel, US bases and regional targets.

Trump has also suggested that political change in Iran may be necessary for lasting peace. He indicated that the US and its partners would support a new leadership structure in Tehran following a surrender, arguing that such a transition could help stabilise the country and rebuild its economy.

Iranian officials, however, have previously rejected calls for surrender and warned that any direct US military intervention would result in severe consequences for American interests in the region.

The latest statement from Trump underscores Washington’s increasingly confrontational position toward Tehran as the war continues to unfold across multiple fronts in the Middle East.