Trump says Iran should 'wave the white flag' and make a deal

President Donald Trump dismissed Iran's military as effectively destroyed Tuesday and urged the country to surrender, claiming Tehran privately wants a deal despite public defiance, The Korea Times reported.

Trump's remarks, delivered to reporters in the Oval Office, underscore Washington's increasingly confrontational posture toward Iran as the U.S. enforces a naval blockade of Iranian ports and monitors a fragile ceasefire.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday that Iran's armed forces have been wiped out, leaving the country capable of little more than token resistance, according to The Korea Times.

"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?" Trump said.

The president pointed to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports as evidence of American dominance, describing it as an unbreakable barrier no adversary would dare test. "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.

Trump characterized Iran's aggressive public posturing as theater that masks a genuine desire for negotiation. Invoking imagery from combat sports, Trump said, "If this were a fight, they'd stop it," suggesting Iran lacks the strength to sustain any prolonged confrontation with the United States.

The president also said Iran is well aware of what actions would cross the ceasefire's limits and has so far chosen not to test them — a signal, Trump suggested, that Tehran understands the consequences of escalation.

The Korea Times reported that Trump's comments reflect the administration's confidence that sustained military and economic pressure is driving Tehran toward the negotiating table, even as Iran has yet to formally agree to terms.