Trump Goes Blind with Fury, Refuses to Negotiate—War Would End Only If Iran's Leader Is Gone

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — United States President Donald Trump said he was not interested in opening a diplomatic channel with Iran amid the escalating conflict. He even claimed that the war could end only if Iran no longer has a functioning military capability or any leadership remaining.

According to him, the ongoing air campaign could render diplomacy irrelevant if Iran’s military structure and leadership collapse.

‘At some point, I think there may be nobody left to say, ’We surrender’,’ Trump told reporters on board the presidential Air Force One on Saturday (7 March 2026) local time, as reported by Reuters.

The war between Israel and Iran, which is backed by the United States, has now entered its second week. Both sides again exchanged attacks on Saturday, widening tensions that are increasingly shaking the Middle East.

Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, said that the attacks by the US and Israel had killed at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and wounded thousands more.

Iranian state media also reported large blasts heard in several areas of Tehran. Israel said its strikes targeted missile sites and Iran’s military command centres.

Iran’s retaliatory strikes have killed 10 people in Israel.

Additionally, at least six American military personnel were reported killed in the conflict. Their remains arrived at an Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday.

Meanwhile in Europe, an explosion occurred at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo in the early hours of Sunday (8 March 2026). Norwegian police said the incident caused minor damage but no casualties.

Witnesses told the Norwegian daily Verdens Gang that smoke was seen billowing from around the embassy complex.

The cause of the explosion and those responsible remain unknown. The United States Department of State has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.