US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iran is no longer a 'bully' of the Middle East and has become a complete 'loser' following the joint strikes by the United States and Israel that has killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump further said Iran would be 'hit very hard' on Saturday, as the war in the Middle East entered its second week.
In a post on Truth Social, the 79-year-old American president also said that Iran has 'apologised' and 'surrendered' to its neighbours in the Middle East, promising them that it will not hit them anymore. Iran, Trump said, was forced to make this promise because of the relentless attacks by the US and Israel. Trump said Iran was looking to "take over and rule" the Middle East, but it has lost for the first time in thousands of years to surrounding Middle East countries.
"They have said, “Thank you President Trump.” I have said, “You’re welcome!” Iran is no longer the “Bully of the Middle East,” they are, instead, “THE LOSER OF THE MIDDLE EAST,” and will be for many decades until they surrender or, more likely, completely collapse!" Trump said in his post.
"Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behaviour, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added.
Iran war enters 2nd week
The US-Israel-Iran conflict entered its second week on Saturday, but no side has refused to de-escalate the situation. While the US and Israel have continued to attack Iran, the Islamic Republic is targeting American bases and assets in its neighbouring countries. However, earlier in the day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to the neighbouring countries for attacks on them, but noted that their territories are being used against Iran.
In a televised address, the Iranian president further said his country will never surrender. "The enemies must take their wish for the surrender of the Iranian people to their graves," he said.
With this, the situation has remained tensed in the region. The conflict has also spread to Cyprus, Türkiye and the Indian Ocean Region now. All global powers, including India, have called for a de-escalation and said that all issues should be resolved via dialogue and diplomacy.