Donald Trump claimed Iran is asking for a deal amid US-Israeli strikes, but said it's 'a little bit late.' He stated US forces are destroying Iran's military capability hourly and called for Iranian military members to surrender for immunity.
President Donald Trump said that Tehran has reached out to the United States asking "how to make a deal" amid US and Israeli strikes on Iran, but said the request had come "a little bit late" as America now wants to "fight more than they do".
The US President on Thursday (local time) said that the American military, working closely with "wonderful" Israeli forces, is destroying Iran's missiles and drone capability "every single hour." Speaking at an event with the Inter Miami soccer team, Trump said, "They [Iran] are calling; they are saying, 'How do we make a deal?' I said, 'You are being a little bit late.' Now we want to fight more than they do." Inter Miami, along with captain Lionel Messi, visited the White House after winning the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup, the first title in the club's history.
Operation Epic Fury: Iran's Military 'Demolished'
Trump added that Iranian missile and drone infrastructure had been heavily targeted in ongoing Operation Epic Fury. "The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before. We are destroying more of Iran's missiles and drone capability every single hour," he said.
Trump claimed that Iran's Air Force and Navy had suffered extensive damage. "They don't know what is happening... Their Navy is gone, 24 ships in three days... Their anti-aircraft weapons are gone, so they have no Air Force... All of their aeroplanes are gone... their communications are gone, missiles are gone, launchers are gone, about 60 per cent and 64 per cent, respectively,," he said.
Trump's Call to Iranian Forces and Diplomats
Trump also warned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, military, to lay down their arms or they will be killed. "I'm once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military, and the police to lay down their arms. They are only going to be killed. And now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country," he said.
The US President offered immunity to those willing to surrender and cooperate. "Accept immunity; we will give you immunity, or you will face absolutely guaranteed death," he warned.
Trump further urged Iranian diplomats stationed abroad to seek asylum and assist in shaping what he described as a new future for the country. "We also urge Iranian diplomats around the world to request asylum and to help us shape a new and better Iran with great potential," he said.
"The United States will ensure that whoever leads the country next, Iran will not threaten America or its neighbours," Trump added.
Conflict Background
His remarks come amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran.
In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases in multiple Arab countries, and Israeli assets throughout the region, as the conflict now entered its seventh day.
Israel is also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)