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Trump says Iran 'should wave the white flag of surrender'

President Donald Trump said Iran’s military capability has been severely weakened, claiming Tehran “should wave the white flag of surrender” and privately wants a deal despite public defiance. He also praised the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and warned Iran to avoid actions that could violate the ceasefire.

Bernat Parera

Reuters

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May 06, 2026

Trump says Iran 'should wave the white flag of surrender'

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to sign a memorandum in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 5, 2026.

Evan Vucci/Reuters

President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 5) dismissed Iran's military capability and said Tehran "should wave the white flag of surrender" but is too proud to do so.


Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Iran's military has been reduced to firing "peashooters" and that Tehran privately wants to make a deal despite its public saber-rattling.


"They play games, but let me just tell you, they want to make a deal. And who wouldn't, when your military is totally gone?" he said.


Trump heaped praise on the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the region. "It's like a piece of steel. Nobody's going to challenge the blockade. And I think it's working out very well," he said.


When asked what Iran would need to do to violate the ceasefire, Trump said: "Well, you'll find out, because I'll let you know ... They know what not to do."


Trump said Iran "should save the white flag of surrender."


"If this were a fight, they'd stop it," said Trump.

-Bernat Parera/Reuters

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