Iran’s top security official Mohsen Rezaei has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran is close to giving up, saying Washington’s statements do not match the situation on the ground.
Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, responded to Trump in a post on X on Friday, accusing the US president of presenting declarations of victory as though they reflected developments in the conflict.
What did Mohsen Rezaei say about Trump?
Rezaei said Trump could claim victory in his own view, but argued that the course of the conflict was being determined by Iran’s population and military. His remarks came after Trump said Iran was “ready to fold up” and suggested the United States could secure victory shortly after the November midterm elections.
Trump, while speaking at an event on Thursday, said Washington was attempting to deal with Iran’s leadership but acknowledged uncertainty over whom the US could negotiate with as the conflict continues.
Trump leaves possibility of further military action
Trump had earlier told TIME that US military operations against Iran could resume after the midterm elections if the two sides fail to reach an agreement. He also questioned whether Tehran was prepared to make the concessions Washington is seeking and described Iran as performing poorly in the conflict, according to Reuters.
At the same time, Trump has left open the possibility that the fighting could end before the midterm elections if an agreement is reached.
Iran rejects claims of surrender
Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected suggestions that Tehran is preparing to capitulate. Iran’s president told the United Nations General Assembly the previous week that the country would not submit to US pressure, while also maintaining that Tehran was willing to pursue peace negotiations.
The dispute comes as Iran faces increasing economic and military pressure. A US blockade has disrupted Iranian oil exports, while the broader conflict has added to the economic difficulties facing the country.
US expands military presence in Middle East
The United States is also strengthening its military presence in the region. According to CBS, the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and USS Makin Island Amphibious Group were moving towards the Middle East. Their arrival could potentially bring the number of US carrier strike groups in the region to three.
The developments come as Washington and Tehran remain publicly divided over the course of the conflict, with the US continuing to apply military and economic pressure while Iranian officials reject claims that the country is preparing to surrender.
