US President Donald Trump has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” in a social media post, hours after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that some countries had begun mediation efforts to end the war with the US and Israel.
Trump’s remarks on Friday hit European stock markets, which were already under pressure after Qatar warned that a prolonged shutdown of gas production could push oil above $150 a barrel. Oil was trading at $90 on Friday.
Inside Iran, the main reformist group, the Reform Front, issued a statement urging the political elite to appoint a new supreme leader following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The group said the new leader should signal a willingness to change course and reduce domestic polarisation.
Trump wrote on social media: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction.”
Pezeshkian said for the first time that some countries had begun mediation efforts, without naming them, and added that any talks should address those who started the war. Qatar, Turkey, Egypt and Oman have all offered to mediate since the US and Israel launched joint strikes last Saturday.
Recent statements from the US and Israel have given no indication of a willingness to negotiate soon. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said late on Thursday that firepower over Iran was about to “surge dramatically”, while the Israel Defense Forces announced a new intensified phase of the campaign on Friday morning.
