Trump says Iran should ‘wave the white flag of surrender,’ and its military strikes resemble ‘peashooters’

Trump also praised the US blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as highly effective.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Iran should surrender, dismissing Tehran’s military capabilities and urging it to “wave the white flag,” as tensions continued following recent attacks in the region.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump described Iran’s forces as weakened, saying they had been reduced to firing “peashooters” and asserting that the country is seeking a deal despite public threats.

“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 the US blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as highly effective.

“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.

He reiterated his call for capitulation, saying Iran “should wave the white flag of surrender” and adding, “If this were a fight, they’d stop it.”

When asked what actions by Iran would constitute a violation of the ceasefire, Trump declined to provide specifics. “Well, you’ll find out, because I’ll let you know … They know what not to do,” he said.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump also did not give a clear determination on whether the ceasefire had been breached after a second attack in as many days targeted the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE’s Defense Ministry said air defenses engaged ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones, intercepting many of them, and described the attacks as a “direct threat” to national security.

Pressed again on whether the attacks violated the ceasefire, Trump said: “You’ll find out because I’ll let you know when they do,” adding, “They know what not to do.” He also said, “They should do the smart thing because we don’t want to go in and kill people.”

According to a report by N12, Trump came close on Friday to authorizing a renewed wave of strikes but reversed course after Iran submitted an updated proposal to end the war. The report said he later rejected that proposal.

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