WASHINGTON, May 5 - President Donald Trump on Tuesday minimized Iran's military strength and said Tehran should surrender, although he characterized the country as too proud to do so publicly.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump described Iran's armed forces as having been reduced to firing what he called "peashooters" and asserted that, behind the scenes, Iranian officials want to reach an agreement despite their outward displays of aggression.
"They play games, but let me just tell you, they want to make a deal. And who wouldn't, when your military is totally gone?" he said.
Trump also praised U.S. measures constraining Iran's maritime access, describing the blockade of Iranian ports in the region as robust and unchallenged. "It's like a piece of steel. Nobody's going to challenge the blockade. And I think it's working out very well," he said.
When pressed on what actions would constitute a violation of the ceasefire, Trump declined to specify thresholds, saying: "Well, you'll find out, because I'll let you know ... They know what not to do."
He reiterated his call for Iran to yield, using two related turns of phrase to describe the position he believes Tehran should take: that it "should wave the white flag of surrender" and should "save the white flag of surrender."
Context and implications
The president's comments linked assessments of Iran's military capacity with diplomatic posture, noting a contrast between public saber-rattling and what he described as private willingness to negotiate. He emphasized the effectiveness of U.S. pressure at sea by highlighting the blockade of Iranian ports.
Quotes highlighted
- "They play games, but let me just tell you, they want to make a deal. And who wouldn't, when your military is totally gone?"
- "It's like a piece of steel. Nobody's going to challenge the blockade. And I think it's working out very well."
- "Well, you'll find out, because I'll let you know ... They know what not to do."
The remarks underscore an administration view that current measures are constraining Iran's options while leaving open the prospect of negotiations, according to the president's statements.