Donald Trump Issues Ultimatum to Defeated Iran

President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, warning that the country will not exist any longer unless it agrees to a fair deal. Speaking in Texas and during a Time interview, Trump characterized Iran as militarily and economically defeated, claiming the U.S. has decimated the Iranian navy, air force, and nuclear capabilities.

The current conflict, known as Operation Epic Fury, has lasted seven months. Trump admitted to extending the military offensive beyond his initial timeline to further degrade the regime. Alongside airstrikes, a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has restricted oil movement, reportedly costing Iran $400 million per day. While traffic through the strait is at 80 percent of pre-war levels, Trump predicted oil prices will drop sharply once the conflict ends.

Despite ongoing negotiations facilitated by Qatar, Trump has rejected Iranian ceasefire proposals as insufficient. He maintained that the annihilation of Iran is a possible path to global peace. Additionally, Trump indicated the U.S. would respond forcefully if Iranian involvement is confirmed in an alleged attempt by a Flydubai co-pilot to crash a flight to Tel Aviv. Trump dismissed a Defense Department report on munitions shortages as mostly fake news, though he acknowledged some ammunition levels are low.