President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his resolve for a decisive confrontation with Iran as U.S. military operations against the country roil oil markets and escalate into an extended conflict.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump declared that any deal with Iran "will be nothing other than 'unconditional surrender.'"
"After that, once good and acceptable leaders are chosen, we and many very brave allies and partners will work tirelessly to help Iran step back from the brink of destruction," he continued. "We will make Iran economically much bigger, better, and stronger than ever before, and Iran will have a great future."
Trump also coined the phrase "MIGA—Make Iran Great Again," a play on his signature political slogan "MAGA—Make America Great Again."
Trump's remarks are interpreted as signaling his willingness to pursue a medium- to long-term military campaign even if Iran continues to resist. The statement is also seen as reaffirming his refusal to accept any successor Iranian regime that maintains the anti-American policies of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel.
Ultimately, the move appears aimed at pressuring Iran to establish a pro-American transitional government, thereby expanding U.S. influence in the Middle East.
