Trump tells Iran to 'raise the white flag and surrender', confirms direct backchannel with IRGC

President Donald Trump's latest remarks signal a hardening of the "maximum pressure" stance that has defined his administration's approach to the Iranian threat. During the interview, Trump emphasized that he is in no rush to reach a deal, stating, "I don't have a timetable... the midterm elections have nothing to do with how I think." This posture of strategic patience is paired with a demand for total capitulation, as the President insisted that Iran must accept defeat in the ongoing regional confrontation.

The IRGC Backchannel and Regional Pressure

In a significant disclosure, the President confirmed that Washington maintains a direct backchannel with senior leadership within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Describing the Iranian negotiators, Trump remarked, "They are good poker players, but they are dying." This revelation follows months of high-stakes military and diplomatic maneuvering. As The Zioneer reported in July, Trump previously warned of "massive action" if negotiations failed, and the current confirmation of a backchannel suggests that while kinetic options remain on the table, a direct line of communication is being utilized to convey American demands.

Threats to Oman and the Hormuz Strait

The President also addressed the maritime standoff in the Persian Gulf, specifically targeting Oman's role in the region. Trump warned that if Oman interferes with American interests in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States would take decisive military action. "If Oman stands in our way, we will bomb the hell out of them," the President stated, according to reports of the interview. This escalation follows prior warnings regarding the strategic waterway, which serves as a global energy chokepoint. In June, Trump had already suggested the U.S. could "take over" the waterway if Iranian provocations continued.

Hamas Disarmament and the Gaza Front

Turning to the conflict in Gaza, President Trump claimed that there has been positive progress in efforts to disarm Hamas. He asserted that the U.S. maintains its own relationship with the group and that they are "giving up their weapons." Despite this claimed progress, the President advised Israel against launching new strikes in Gaza at this time. This advice comes even as he praised the IDF's performance, referring to Israel as the "little brother of the United States" and noting that Israeli forces have fought effectively alongside U.S. forces. Trump clarified that should strikes against Iran resume, the United States would lead the campaign with Israeli support, rather than the reverse.