Trump reportedly told G7 leaders during a virtual summit on Wednesday that Iran was on the verge of a total military and political collapse. According to a report by Axios, which cited three officials from G7 countries briefed on the call, Trump expressed supreme confidence in the outcome of the ongoing conflict, stating that the Iranian regime was “about to surrender.”
That stands in stark contrast to the real situation on the ground, where we continue to see daily strikes and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. The report added that Trump’s remarks to the G7 leaders were characterized by his signature bravado and a refusal to set a specific timeline for ending the hostilities.
Just a day after Trump’s remarks, the new Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei called for national unity and said that the Strait of Hormuz would continue to be closed to pressure Iran’s enemies. He added that they will keep on fighting and attack US bases in the region.
In a follow-up phone interview with Axios, Trump clarified his definition of the term. He noted that “unconditional surrender” doesn’t necessarily mean a signed treaty; it could simply mean the point where Iran “can’t fight any longer because they don’t have anyone or anything to fight with.”
On Friday, Trump doubled down on this sentiment via Truth Social, referring to the Iranian leadership as “deranged scumbags” and stating that as the 47th President, it is his “great honour” to dismantle the regime.
Despite Trump’s claims that the “war could be over soon”, there are no signs that point to a quick resolution as of yet. It really looks like Trump will have to make the first step here and stop the hostilities, but that might not come without higher oil prices and lower stock markets.
