Trump rules out negotiations with Iran’s remaining leadership: ‘We’re not looking to settle’

Donald Trump said he is not interested in settling with Iran and assured Americans the military operation will not harm the United States
PUBLISHED MAR 8, 2026
President Donald Trump said the US is not seeking a settlement with Iran, urging Tehran to surrender or face continued military action under 'Operation Epic Fury' (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump said the US is not seeking a settlement with Iran, urging Tehran to surrender or face continued military action under 'Operation Epic Fury' (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump stated that he is not interested in 'settling' with Iran’s remaining leadership. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said that Iran may want a settlement, but the US is not seeking one.

Trump described the military operation in Iran as an 'excursion.' He also reassured Americans that they should not worry about any possible increase in prices in the future. He also spoke about 'Operation Epic Fury' and how the operation is ongoing.

During the conversation, Trump addressed several issues related to the situation. He emphasized that he expects Iran to surrender. He added that Iran must send a positive response soon; otherwise, the US military is prepared to continue its actions.

President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media traveling on Air Force One while heading to Miami on March 7, 2026. President Trump and other members of the government attended the dignified transfer of six soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command who were killed in action by an Iranian drone strike on March 1 in Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait during 'Operation Epic Fury' (Photo by Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media traveling on Air Force One while heading to Miami on March 7, 2026 (Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)

Trump rejects negotiations with Iran

President Donald Trump said he has no plans to negotiate with Iran’s remaining leadership as the conflict continues to escalate. While traveling to Miami, Florida, Trump responded to several questions from reporters about the Iran war and its possible consequences.

Speaking on Saturday, March 7, Trump made it clear, saying, "They'd like to settle. We're not looking to settle," he told reporters on Air Force One. He also assured Americans that the military operation would not create negative effects for the US.

According to Trump, concerns such as rising gas prices and the safety of Americans are expected to improve once the conflict eventually ends.

People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 (AP Photo)

Late Saturday, the situation in the region became more tense. Huge flames were seen rising from an oil storage facility in Tehran after new strikes hit the site.

At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the conflict could become even more intense, saying there would be “many surprises” in the next phase of the week-long war. 

Trump explains what 'unconditional surrender' means to him

Trump spoke with reporters aboard Air Force One, addressing questions about the US, Iran, and Russia.

When asked to define what “unconditional surrender” means, Trump responded without hesitation: “When they cry, uncle.” He emphasized that the US military has “wiped out” Iran’s leadership multiple times, making it hard for the country to take any decisive actions. Trump warned, “Iran will be hit very hard.”



Trump elaborated further, saying, “It's where they cry uncle, or when they can't fight any longer and there's nobody around to cry uncle!” He added, “That could happen, too, because we've wiped out their leadership numerous times already.”

He clarified, “So it's if they surrender or if there is nobody around to surrender, but they're rendered useless in terms of military.”

As the US-Israel conflict with Iran enters its second week and sparks political turbulence, Trump reaffirmed his position, insisting that Iran should take positive action as soon as possible.

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