Donald Trump says Iran ‘completely defeated’, claims it seeks deal he would reject

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran had been “totally defeated” in the joint US-Israeli military campaign, claiming Tehran was now seeking a deal he would not accept, even as Iranian officials vowed to continue fighting.

“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal — but not a deal that I would accept!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without providing further details.

Trump’s remarks came after he said Washington had carried out heavy strikes on military targets at Iran’s oil hub on Kharg Island and that the US Navy would soon begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the continued US strikes, Iran launched another wave of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf states.

Meanwhile, a number of senior Iranian officials joined a pro-government rally in Tehran on Friday, marching with demonstrators who waved banners reading “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, said earlier this week that negotiations were no longer being considered and that attacks would continue for as long as necessary.

“I don’t think talking with the Americans would be on our agenda anymore,” Araghchi told PBS News, saying Tehran had a “very bitter experience” during previous negotiations with the United States.