US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth: President Trump Will Determine Iran's 'Terms of Surrender'
The United States Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has affirmed that the United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump will establish the full “terms of surrender” for Iran. This statement emerged following escalating tensions after airstrikes in the region.
Hegseth’s remarks refer to President Trump’s statement last week asserting that “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
In an interview on the CBS 60 Minutes programme broadcast on Sunday (8 March), Hegseth explained the meaning behind the term “unconditional surrender” in the context of current military affairs.
“It means we fight to win. It means we set the terms. We will know when they are no longer able to fight. There will be a point where they have no choice but to do that. Whether they acknowledge it or not, they will become ineffective in battle. They will surrender,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth added that whilst surrender could occur in various forms, the final decision rests with Trump, not Iran. “Whether they want to acknowledge it or not, whether their pride allows them to state it loudly or not, President Trump will set the terms,” he added.
Beyond discussing war strategy, Hegseth also touched on the incident of an attack on a school in Iran that killed at least 168 children. Despite media reports suggesting alleged US responsibility, Hegseth stated that the investigation process remains ongoing.
“We are still conducting an investigation, and I will limit my statement to that today. However, what I want to affirm to you and the world is that unlike our enemies, Iran, we never target civilians,” Hegseth stated firmly.
The situation became interesting when, a day after the interview, President Trump openly expressed his conviction that Iran was responsible for the school attack. Responding to this difference in narrative, Hegseth, who was accompanying Trump on Air Force One, maintained his original statement that the investigation is still being conducted.
However, he concluded with a diplomatic statement that cornered the opposing side. “The only party that targets civilians is Iran,” he concluded.