Trump Declares War on Iran Until Military and Leadership Are Destroyed
US President Donald Trump indicated on Saturday that the ongoing conflict with Iran may only conclude once the nation no longer possesses a viable military or leadership. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed his disinterest in negotiations with Iran, suggesting that military action could render discussions irrelevant if Iranian leaders are eliminated and the military is dismantled.
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East
Trump’s comments emerged amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, marking the second week of intensified conflict in the region. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology to neighboring countries affected by Iran’s actions, urging them not to align with US-Israeli military operations against Iran. However, he dismissed Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender as unrealistic, labeling it “a dream.”
Despite Pezeshkian’s overtures, Trump interpreted the apology as a sign of weakness, asserting that Iran would face severe consequences on Saturday and warning that the US might expand its military operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, stated that any Iranian Revolutionary Guards who surrender would not be harmed. He emphasized Israel’s support for nations targeted by Iran, noting that many are in communication with Israel regarding the situation.
Ali Ardashir Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, asserted that there is no division among Iranian officials regarding their approach to the conflict.
Iran’s Military Response
Pezeshkian’s remarks sparked political backlash within Iran, prompting his office to reaffirm that the Iranian military would respond decisively to attacks from US bases in the region. Following the backlash, Pezeshkian reiterated his statement on social media but omitted the contentious apology that had drawn criticism from hardliners, including members of the Revolutionary Guards.
Hamid Rasai, a hardline cleric and lawmaker, criticized Pezeshkian’s comments as “unprofessional, weak, and unacceptable.” Mohseni-Ejei, the judiciary chief and a hardline member of the council temporarily holding the powers of the supreme leader, warned that some regional territories are being utilized for attacks against Iran, pledging that retaliatory strikes would continue.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli refinery, although reports indicated no significant damage. Additionally, rockets reportedly targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, prompting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to order a pursuit of those responsible. One missile reportedly landed on a helicopter landing pad within the embassy complex, causing no casualties.
In Iran, local news agencies reported that fuel depots were struck in three areas, including Karaj, west of Tehran. The Revolutionary Guards also targeted US forces at a base in Bahrain, according to state media.
Tehran’s response to the US-Israeli conflict has included attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US military installations. Israel has intensified its military actions in Lebanon following cross-border fire from the Iran-aligned militia Hezbollah. Over the past week, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq have all reported drone or missile attacks.
Israel’s Warning to Lebanon
As the conflict escalates, Israel warned Lebanon of severe consequences if it fails to restrain Hezbollah. Israeli forces have conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds and launched a significant airborne raid in eastern Lebanon. Recent footage showed extensive destruction in the southern suburbs of Beirut, with buildings reduced to rubble.
The death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since Monday has reached 294, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Meanwhile, US-Israeli operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 1,332 Iranian civilians, with thousands more injured, as stated by Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani. Explosions were reported in various parts of Tehran, while Israel claimed to have targeted Iranian missile sites and command centers.
Iranian attacks have resulted in 10 fatalities in Israel. Larijani mentioned reports suggesting that American soldiers may have been captured, although US Central Command denied any service members had been taken prisoner. At least six US service members have died, with their remains arriving at an Air Force base in Delaware on Saturday.
Iran Rejects Trump’s Influence on Leadership Selection
Iran’s strategy appears aimed at creating maximum disruption, contributing to rising energy prices and impacting global business operations. Kuwait’s national oil company announced production cuts, joining earlier reductions from Iraq and Qatar. The ongoing conflict has unsettled global markets, leading to multi-year highs in oil prices, particularly with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed.
Trump reiterated his demand for a role in selecting Iran’s next supreme leader, a request that was rejected by Iravani. Reports indicate that hardline clerics are advocating for the swift selection of a new supreme leader, with meetings potentially occurring as soon as Sunday. Ayatollah Hossein Mozafari, a member of the Assembly of Experts responsible for choosing the next leader, suggested that the assembly could convene within the next 24 hours to make a decision.
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Published on 2026-03-08 03:50:00 • By Editorial Desk
