US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to surrender unconditionally as American and Israeli forces continue military strikes across the region.
Speaking publicly, Trump emphasized that Iran’s future could be “economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever” once new leadership, acceptable to the White House, is in place.
With the conflict entering its second week, uncertainty surrounds Iran’s leadership following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said operations could last four to six weeks, with objectives including the destruction of Iran’s naval capabilities.
Trump stressed that he would oppose leadership deemed “radical” or hostile toward the US, signaling active involvement in Iran’s succession.
Trump’s approach avoids using the term “regime change,” reflecting caution against long-term military entanglements similar to Iraq or Afghanistan.
However, the president has publicly supported successor leadership in similar contexts, drawing comparisons to his January operation in Venezuela that removed Nicolás Maduro.
Tensions have widened across the Middle East. Iran-backed Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes on Lebanon, including southern Beirut.
Large explosions and evacuation orders for residents highlight the intensifying regional danger.
Drone and missile strikes have also targeted US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, and Kuwait, while Cyprus’s British military base was reportedly struck by a drone.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Russia has shared intelligence on US positions with Iran. Kremlin officials confirmed dialogue with Tehran but did not disclose ongoing military cooperation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Iran’s leadership and called for a diplomatic resolution, underscoring Moscow’s continued support for Tehran.
As the conflict escalates, the US and its allies remain focused on strategic objectives while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics involving Iran, Israel, and Russia.
