A claim made by Donald Trump that Iran was “on the verge of surrender” during the ongoing conflict quickly unraveled within a day, as events on the ground suggested the war was far from over.
The statement reportedly came during a virtual meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders, where Trump spoke confidently about the impact of US military operations.
Trump’s Claim During G7 Call
During the meeting with leaders from the United Kingdom, Germany, France and other G7 nations, Donald Trump reportedly said Iran was close to surrendering due to the pressure from US military actions.
He also claimed the operations had eliminated a major threat, telling allies he had “got rid of a cancer that was threatening us all.”
However, Trump also acknowledged uncertainty about who in Tehran had the authority to formally announce a surrender, raising doubts about the accuracy of his own claim.
Iran’s Response: Defiance Instead of Surrender
Within 24 hours of the meeting, Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly installed supreme leader of Iran, issued his first public statement.
In a message broadcast on state television, he vowed to continue the fight and promised revenge for Iranian “martyrs.” He also warned of opening new fronts in the conflict and threatened to disrupt global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes.
Global Concerns Over Economic Fallout
The escalating conflict has already started affecting global markets. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed global crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising fears of a wider economic shock.
Leaders from Germany, United Kingdom, and France reportedly urged Trump during the G7 call to end the conflict quickly and secure maritime routes.
Tensions Among Allies
The meeting also saw tense exchanges among allies, according to officials. Trump reportedly criticised Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, over the UK’s initial reluctance to allow the use of British military bases for strikes against Iran.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of the Treasury announced a one-month waiver on sanctions affecting Russian oil already in transit, citing the need to stabilise global energy markets.
War Continues Without Clear End
Despite Trump’s confidence during the G7 meeting, there has been no indication of Iran collapsing or surrendering. Instead, the conflict appears to be entering a more dangerous phase, with threats to shipping lanes and growing concerns about global economic instability.