Trump Claims Iran ‘About to Surrender’ In G7 Call/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump told G7 leaders during a private call that Iran was “about to surrender” in the ongoing war. However, Iran’s new supreme leader soon issued a message vowing to continue fighting and escalate the conflict. The war’s economic impact, including soaring oil prices and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, is raising concern among global leaders.
Trump G7 Iran War Call Quick Looks
- Trump told G7 leaders Iran was “about to surrender.”
- The comments came during a private virtual meeting Wednesday.
- Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep fighting.
- Tehran continues threatening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
- Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel during the conflict.
- Several G7 leaders urged Trump to end the war quickly.
- The White House declined to comment on details of the call.
Deep Look
Trump Says Iran Is “About to Surrender” in G7 Call
President Donald Trump told leaders of the Group of Seven nations during a private virtual meeting that Iran was on the verge of surrendering in the ongoing war with the United States and Israel.
According to officials from several G7 countries who were briefed on the call, Trump expressed confidence that Iran’s government was nearing collapse following weeks of intense military operations.
“Iran is about to surrender,” Trump reportedly told the leaders during the discussion.
However, developments on the ground suggest a more complicated situation as the war enters its second week.
Iran Signals It Will Continue Fighting
Just a day after Trump made the remarks, Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public message since taking power.
In the statement, broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei pledged that Iran would continue the fight and seek revenge for those killed during U.S. and Israeli attacks.
He also warned that Iran could open additional fronts in the conflict, targeting areas where its adversaries are vulnerable.
The statement highlighted Tehran’s intention to maintain pressure on global shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply travels.
Trump Praises Military Operation
During the call, Trump reportedly praised the results of the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury.
According to officials familiar with the discussion, the president described the operation as a decisive blow against Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure.
“I got rid of a cancer that was threatening us all,” Trump said during the conversation.
At the same time, he suggested that Iran’s leadership structure had been severely weakened by the strikes.
Trump reportedly told G7 leaders that it was unclear who was currently in charge in Tehran.
“Nobody knows who is the leader,” he said, adding that the lack of leadership could complicate any formal surrender.
Tensions Over Iran’s Leadership
Trump has previously criticized Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed early in the conflict.
The president has described the younger Khamenei as a weak successor and questioned whether he would be capable of leading the country during wartime.
Despite those criticisms, Khamenei’s latest message suggested that Iran’s leadership remains determined to continue the conflict.
G7 Leaders Concerned About Economic Fallout
The G7 call took place amid growing anxiety among global leaders about the war’s economic impact.
Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel as tensions in the Persian Gulf threaten global energy supplies.
Several leaders reportedly urged Trump during the call to bring the conflict to a rapid conclusion.
They emphasized the importance of restoring security to the Strait of Hormuz to prevent further disruptions to global trade.
According to officials briefed on the meeting, Trump told the group that the situation in the strait was improving and predicted commercial shipping would soon resume normal operations.
However, hours later, reports emerged that two oil tankers were set ablaze near the coast of Iraq, highlighting the continuing risks in the region.
Uncertainty Over War Strategy
Participants in the call said Trump’s comments about the future of the conflict were somewhat ambiguous.
Some leaders left the meeting with the impression that the United States was preparing to wind down the war.
Others believed the administration intended to continue military operations until Iran’s leadership was decisively defeated.
Trump reportedly told the group that the key issue was determining the right moment to conclude the campaign.
“We need to finish the job,” he said, warning that failing to do so could result in another war with Iran within five years.
Russian Oil Role Raises Concerns
The surge in oil prices linked to the conflict has also drawn attention to the potential benefits for Russia, one of the world’s largest energy exporters.
According to officials briefed on the meeting, leaders from Germany, the United Kingdom and France urged Trump not to allow Moscow to exploit the crisis.
They warned that easing sanctions on Russian oil could undermine Western efforts to pressure the Kremlin.
Shortly after the call, a Russian envoy reportedly met with Trump advisers in Florida to discuss the global energy situation.
Temporary Sanctions Waiver
Despite objections from several European allies, the U.S. Treasury Department later announced a temporary waiver on certain sanctions affecting Russian oil shipments.
The one-month waiver applies only to cargo already in transit and requires that the shipments have no connection to Iran.
Treasury officials said the move was intended to stabilize global energy markets and prevent further spikes in oil prices.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the waiver would not significantly benefit the Russian government.
Tensions With UK Over Military Bases
The call also included a tense exchange between Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to officials familiar with the discussion.
Early in the conflict, Starmer had declined to allow U.S. forces to use British military bases for strikes against Iran.
After Iran expanded attacks against Gulf states, the United Kingdom reversed its position and offered the bases for defensive operations.
However, Trump reportedly told Starmer during the call that the offer came too late.
“You should have proposed it before the war,” Trump said, according to officials briefed on the conversation. “Now it is too late.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.