Source HT
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — In a move that has sent shockwaves through global capitals, President Donald Trump reportedly informed G7 leaders during a private virtual summit that the Iranian regime is “on the verge of surrender.” However, the claim was met with immediate defiance from Tehran, as the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first public directive vowing to continue the conflict.
“The Cancer is Gone”: Trump’s G7 Briefing
According to a report from Axios, citing three officials from G7 nations, President Trump briefed allies on Wednesday regarding the progress of Operation Epic Fury. During the call, Trump was reportedly as confident in private as he has been in his public “Truth Social” posts, asserting that the US-led military campaign has decapitated the Iranian leadership.
“I got rid of a cancer that was threatening us all,” Trump reportedly told the leaders. “Nobody knows who the leader is, so there is no one who can even announce a surrender.”
Trump’s assessment suggests that the intense bombardment of military infrastructure and leadership hubs has left the Islamic Republic in a state of terminal disarray. He further claimed that Iran’s navy and air force have been effectively “decimated,” leaving the regime with no choice but to capitulate.
Mojtaba Khamenei Breaks Silence
Defying Trump’s narrative of a crumbling regime, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first official statement on Thursday. While the 56-year-old cleric did not appear in person—amid reports from the US and the Guardian that he may have been “disfigured” or seriously injured in the strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—his message was read by an anchor on state television.
The Statement’s Key Directives:
Vengeance: Khamenei declared that “vengeance is the priority until fully achieved” for the “martyrdom” of his father and other high-ranking officials.
Economic Warfare: He ordered the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime artery through which 20% of the world’s oil flows, calling it a “lever” that must be used to make the enemy “regret.”
Regional Ultimatum: He demanded that neighboring countries immediately close all US military bases on their soil or face retaliatory strikes.
A Growing Divide Among Allies
Despite Trump’s bravado, the leaked G7 call revealed significant anxiety among Western allies. Leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly urged Trump to move toward a swift resolution, citing the skyrocketing price of oil and the risk of a global economic recession.
While some participants left the call believing Trump intends to wind down the war, others described his strategy as “ambiguous and noncommittal.” Meanwhile, the Pentagon remains on high alert as Iranian-backed forces continue to launch drone and missile strikes, challenging the White House’s claim that the regime’s capabilities are spent.
Event Status/Action
Operation Epic Fury Ongoing US-Israeli air campaign.
Strait of Hormuz Effectively closed by Iran; oil prices volatile.
Mojtaba Khamenei Proclaimed leader; location and health status unknown.
US Strategy Demanding “Unconditional Surrender.”
As of Friday, the conflict enters its 14th day with no clear end in sight. While Trump insists the end is near, the “clenched fist” of the new Iranian leadership suggests a long and bloody road ahead.
