President Donald Trump says Iran should “wave the white flag of surrender,” while dismissing Iran’s military capability and suggesting Tehran privately wants a negotiated outcome. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump characterizes Iran’s forces as reduced to firing “peashooters” and argues that because Iran’s military is “totally gone,” Iran would be willing to make a deal even if it presents a more confrontational posture publicly. He says Iran “plays games,” but “wants to make a deal,” and adds that Iran is too proud to openly signal surrender.
Trump also points to U.S. pressure in the region, praising a blockade of Iranian ports and saying it is working and that “nobody’s going to challenge the blockade.” When asked about what Iran would need to do to violate a ceasefire, Trump says he would tell reporters what not to do, framing the issue as something Iran already understands.
Across outlets, the reports focus on Trump’s comments about Iran’s military status, his view of Iran’s private intentions, and his reference to U.S. blockade efforts and ceasefire-related warnings.
