Trump Signals War with Iran Will Persist Until Military and Leadership Are Destroyed
US President Donald Trump indicated on Saturday that the ongoing conflict with Iran may only conclude when the nation no longer possesses a viable military or leadership. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed a lack of interest in negotiations with Iran, suggesting that military actions could render such discussions irrelevant if potential Iranian leaders and military capabilities are eliminated.
Escalation of Hostilities
Trump’s comments emerged amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where Israel and Iran have been engaged in reciprocal attacks as the conflict entered its second week. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology to neighboring countries affected by Iran’s actions, urging them not to participate in US-Israeli attacks. He characterized Trump’s demand for Iran’s unconditional surrender as unrealistic, referring to it as “a dream.” Pezeshkian noted that Iran’s temporary leadership council had agreed to suspend attacks on neighboring states unless provoked.
Despite this, Trump interpreted Iran’s apology as a sign of surrender, stating that the country would face significant military action on Saturday and warning that the US might expand its military operations.
Divisions Within Iranian Leadership
Amidst potential divisions in Iran’s leadership regarding Pezeshkian’s remarks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, asserting that any Iranian Revolutionary Guards who surrendered would not be harmed. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s support for countries targeted by Iran, stating, “We stand by all countries attacked by Iran; many are talking to us.”
Ali Ardashir Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, asserted on state television that there was no discord among Iranian officials concerning the war’s management.
Iran’s Military Response
Pezeshkian’s comments sparked political backlash in Iran, prompting his office to reaffirm that the Iranian military would respond decisively to attacks from US bases in the region. Later, Pezeshkian reiterated his statement on social media but omitted the apology that had drawn ire from hardliners, including the influential Revolutionary Guards.
Hardline cleric Hamid Rasai criticized Pezeshkian’s stance as “unprofessional, weak, and unacceptable.” Mohseni-Ejei, the judiciary chief and a hardline member of the council temporarily holding the supreme leader’s powers, stated that some regional territories were being utilized for attacks against Iran, promising continued retaliatory strikes.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli refinery, according to state media. Air raid sirens were activated in the Haifa area, although no damage was reported. Additionally, rockets reportedly targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, prompting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to order security forces to pursue those responsible.
Broader Regional Implications
In Iran, local news agencies reported that fuel depots were struck in three locations, including Karaj, west of Tehran. The Revolutionary Guards also targeted US forces stationed at a base in Bahrain, as reported by Iranian state media.
Tehran’s response to the US-Israeli military actions has included strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US military installations. Israel has intensified its operations in Lebanon following attacks 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 continues to escalate, Israel has warned Lebanon of severe consequences if it fails to restrain Hezbollah. Israeli forces have conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds and executed a significant airborne raid in eastern Lebanon. Recent footage showed extensive destruction in southern Beirut, with the death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon rising to 294, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
The US-Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and thousands more injured, as stated by Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani. Explosions were reported in various parts of Tehran, while Israel confirmed strikes on Iranian missile sites and command centers. Iranian attacks have resulted in 10 fatalities in Israel.
Larijani mentioned reports of captured American soldiers, but US Central Command denied that any service members had been taken prisoner. At least six US service members have been killed, with their remains arriving at an Air Force base in Delaware on Saturday.
Iran’s Stance on Leadership Selection
Iran’s strategy appears to focus on creating maximum chaos, which has led to increased costs of the conflict, impacting energy prices and global business operations. Kuwait’s national oil company began reducing output on Saturday, adding to earlier cuts from Iraq and Qatar. The ongoing war has disrupted global markets, pushing oil prices to multi-year highs as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.
Trump reiterated his demand for a role in selecting Iran’s new supreme leader, a proposal that was rejected by Iravani. Hardline clerics have called for the swift appointment of a new supreme leader, with reports indicating that meetings could occur as soon as Sunday. Ayatollah Hossein Mozafari, a member of the Assembly of Experts, stated that the assembly might convene within the next 24 hours to make a decision.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-03-08 03:50:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk