Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran should “wave the white flag of surrender,” dismissing Tehran’s military capabilities while insisting the country is privately seeking a deal with Washington.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump described Iran’s military as severely weakened, saying it had been reduced to firing “peashooters” amid ongoing tensions despite a fragile ceasefire.
“They play games, but let me just tell you, they want to make a deal. And who wouldn’t, when your military is totally gone?” he said.
Trump also praised the U.S. naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, calling it highly effective.
“It’s like a piece of steel. Nobody’s going to challenge the blockade. And I think it’s working out very well,” he added.
When pressed on what actions by Iran would constitute a breach of the ceasefire, Trump declined to specify, saying: “You’ll find out, because I’ll let you know … They know what not to do.”
He reiterated that Tehran should concede.
“If this were a fight, they’d stop it,” Trump said. “They should wave the white flag.”
The remarks come as tensions remain high in the Gulf, with both sides accusing each other of violations despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation.