The United States, under President Donald Trump, will dictate the terms of any potential surrender by Iran, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The statement comes as tensions remain high between the two nations following a period of escalating conflict.
President Trump stated last week that “there will be no deal with Iran, except unconditional surrender.”
When questioned on CBS’s “60 Minutes” program regarding the meaning of “unconditional surrender,” Hegseth explained, “It means we are fighting to win. It means we set the conditions. We will know when they are unable to fight. There will come a point where they have no choice but to surrender. Whether they know it or not, they will be ineffective in combat. They will surrender.”
Hegseth indicated that surrender could accept various forms, potentially including personnel changes, but ultimately affirmed that President Trump, and not Iranian officials, would define the terms. This development underscores the firm stance taken by the Trump administration in its dealings with Iran.
“Whether they admit it or not, whether their pride allows them to say it out loud or not, it will be President Trump who sets the rules,” Hegseth said. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks, should they occur, and highlights the power dynamic currently at play in the region.
