WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said he is not pursuing negotiations to end the ongoing Iran war, suggesting the conflict could conclude only if Iran’s military capability and leadership structure are dismantled.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the continuing air campaign could render negotiations irrelevant if Iran’s leadership is removed and its military infrastructure destroyed. His remarks came as hostilities between Israel and Iran continued to intensify during the second week of fighting.
Trump indicated that a potential outcome of the conflict could leave Iran without leadership capable of negotiating. “At some point, I don’t think there will be anybody left maybe to say ‘We surrender,’” he said.
Iran seeks to ease tensions with Gulf neighbors
Amid the escalating conflict, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued remarks aimed at easing tensions with neighboring Gulf states. He apologized to countries affected by Iranian strikes targeting U.S. military facilities in the region.
Pezeshkian urged neighboring states not to join the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. He also rejected Trump’s demand for Iran’s unconditional surrender, describing it as unrealistic.
Iran’s leadership said the country would suspend attacks on nearby states unless strikes against Iran originated from their territory.
Iran says it will not target neighbors unless attack comes from them
The comments triggered criticism from some political factions inside Iran. Officials later reaffirmed that the Iranian military would respond to attacks launched from regional bases hosting U.S. forces.
Regional conflict spreads across Middle East
Military activity expanded across multiple parts of the Middle East as Israel and Iran continued exchanging strikes.
Iranian state media reported attacks targeting U.S. forces at a base in Bahrain, while explosions were also reported in Doha. Iran-aligned forces also claimed strikes against a U.S. military facility near Abu Dhabi, though independent confirmation was not immediately available.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone targeting Riyadh’s diplomatic district. No casualties were reported.
In Kuwait, authorities said fuel storage tanks near Kuwait International Airport were targeted in a drone strike.
Fighting intensifies in Lebanon and Israel
Israel warned Lebanon it could face severe consequences if it did not restrain Hezbollah militants aligned with Iran. Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in Beirut and eastern Lebanon following cross-border attacks.
Lebanon’s health ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes since the latest escalation began had reached about 300 people.
Meanwhile, Israel said Iranian attacks had killed at least 10 people inside the country.
Rising casualties and global impact
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said U.S.-Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and injured thousands more. Israeli officials said they targeted Iranian missile facilities and military command centers.
At least six U.S. service members were killed during the conflict, according to American officials.
The war has also affected global energy markets and supply chains. Oil production cuts in several Gulf states and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz have pushed global energy prices higher.
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