US president Donald Trump demands the unconditional surrender of Iran

2026, March 12

United States / Iran

Last Friday, United States President Donald Trump demanded the "unconditional surrender" of Iran via his Truth Social platform. The declaration came as the war in Iran had gone on for a week.

Trump has also demanded more "acceptable" leadership in the country.

Trump wrote that once "acceptable" leadership was selected in Iran, the US and its allies would make Iran "economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before."

On Saturday, in an address to the nation, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Trump's demand is a "dream they should send to their grave."

A week ago, the United States and Israel attacked Iran, and killed various government officials, including the supreme leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, in strikes. In retaliation for the attacks, Iran has bombed Middle Eastern countries including Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, according to SBS News.

In the Saturday address, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized for attacks on regional countries, Jakarta Globe reported. The Globe also reported that 1,230 people were killed in Iran and that six US troops were killed.

Leavitt has stated that the war would likely last four to six weeks.