Washington: The United States has said it will continue its military campaign against Iran until the country accepts surrender terms, as the conflict in the Middle East entered its tenth day.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States and its allies will keep fighting Iran until victory is achieved. He stated that the final decision on the conditions of surrender will be made by US President Donald J. Trump.
Hegseth said the United States is determined to weaken Iran’s military power and remove threats against its allies in the region. He warned that the campaign would continue as long as necessary.
President Trump has also ruled out negotiations with Tehran unless Iran agrees to unconditional surrender. According to US officials, Washington believes the war will end only after Iran’s military capability is significantly reduced.
The United States and Benjamin Netanyahu have been coordinating closely in the military operations against Iranian targets. Trump said decisions about ending the war would be taken together with Israel, though the United States would determine the final terms.
Military strikes by US and Israeli forces have targeted Iran’s missile systems, weapons factories and military infrastructure. Officials say the operations aim to reduce Iran’s ability to launch attacks in the region.
The war began after a series of escalating attacks between Iran and Israel, which later drew the United States directly into the conflict. Since then, several air strikes and missile attacks have taken place across the region.
Iran has rejected claims that it may surrender. Iranian leaders have said the country will continue defending its sovereignty and respond to attacks.
The ongoing conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war and has caused concerns in global markets. Oil prices have risen sharply as tensions continue in the Middle East.
International leaders have called for restraint and urged all sides to avoid further escalation while diplomatic efforts continue to search for a possible path to peace.