Trump says Iran 'should wave the white flag of surrender'

A huge billboard carrying the image of the late Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in February 2026 in a military attack by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, wraps the front of a building in Tehran, Tuesday. The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia called for de-escalation in the Middle East following reported attacks on Tuesday on the United Arab Emirates. AFP-Yonhap

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed Iran's military capability and said Tehran "should wave the white flag of surrender" but is too proud to do so.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Iran's military has been reduced to firing "peashooters" and that Tehran privately wants to make a deal despite its public sabre-rattling.

"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 heaped praise on the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the region. "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.

When asked what Iran would need to do to violate the ceasefire, Trump said: "Well, you'll find out, because I'll let you know ... They know what not to do."

Trump said Iran "should save the white flag of surrender."

"If this were a fight, they'd stop it," said Trump.