White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined President Donald Trump’s demands regarding Iran, stating the administration will accept nothing less than the Iranian regime ceasing to pose a threat to U.S. security.
Leavitt made the remarks during a Friday briefing as the United States continues military operations targeting Iranian military installations and leadership. The administration has conducted extensive strikes on Iranian missile facilities and nuclear-related sites over recent days.
What Trump Demands
Trump’s objectives include neutralizing Iran’s naval capabilities, dismantling its missile production infrastructure, preventing Iranian-backed forces from destabilizing the region, and ensuring Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons, according to Leavitt. The administration also aims to disrupt Iran’s production and use of improvised explosive devices that have caused casualties among U.S. forces and personnel.
When asked to define unconditional surrender, Leavitt said it will be achieved when Iran no longer poses a threat to the United States and all mission goals are realized. “Then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves or not,” she told reporters outside the White House.
Ongoing Operations
The Pentagon has conducted strikes on Iranian military targets in recent operations. Senior Iranian officials have been killed in the strikes, according to administration statements.
Leavitt declined to comment on reports that U.S. forces may have targeted a school facility during operations. “I don’t have any updates with respect to the investigation and would expect those to come from the Pentagon,” she said.
What Comes Next
Trump suggested a small ground force could potentially be deployed to retrieve enriched uranium material from Iranian facilities. The administration continues to assess the situation in the region and any next steps.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.