Washington DC / New Delhi, March 8 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has declared that there will be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender” as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies across West Asia, while American forces expand a massive military campaign against Iranian targets.
The statement came as the US Central Command confirmed that more than 3,000 targets inside Iran have been struck during the first week of the operation, known as “Operation Epic Fury.”
Massive US Military Campaign
According to United States Central Command, the campaign has rapidly escalated since the start of the operation.
In a statement posted on X, the command said:
“U.S. forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down.”
The strikes come after a joint US–Israel military operation on February 28 that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials, triggering a fierce response from Tehran.
Iran Launches Regional Retaliation
Following the strike, Iran launched waves of drones and ballistic missiles across the region, targeting US bases and Israeli assets in multiple Arab countries.
Missile attacks were reported against Israeli positions in Tel Aviv, forcing millions of civilians to take shelter in bunkers.
The attacks also targeted regional missile defence infrastructure, including components of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) deployed across West Asia.
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Satellite imagery reportedly showed damage to radar installations linked to THAAD batteries in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, according to analysis cited by CNN.
One of the most significant strikes appeared to hit a radar installation at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, where the AN/TPY-2 radar, the central sensor of the THAAD system, was likely destroyed.
The radar — built by Raytheon — is considered the core tracking component that detects and guides interceptors against incoming ballistic missiles.
Experts say damaging the radar does not fully disable a THAAD battery but greatly reduces its operational effectiveness.
Additional satellite images indicated damage to installations near Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and facilities in the United Arab Emirates, including structures believed to house radar equipment.
Trump Rules Out Negotiations
Amid the escalating conflict, President Trump stated that any diplomatic settlement with Iran would only come after Tehran’s complete capitulation.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction.”
The President added that the United States and its allies would help rebuild the country after the conflict, coining the slogan:
“MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).”
Trump Wants Role in Selecting Iran’s Next Leader
Trump also indicated he wanted to play a role in determining Iran’s future leadership following Khamenei’s death.
In an interview with Axios, he criticised the possible succession of Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Supreme Leader’s son, who is widely viewed as a leading contender.
Trump said:
“Khamenei’s son is a lightweight… I have to be involved in the appointment.”
He added that Washington would prefer a leader who could bring “harmony and peace” to Iran and warned that continuing the policies of the late Supreme Leader could trigger renewed conflict.
Iran Denies Succession Reports
Iranian authorities have not yet announced a successor.
The Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai denied media reports suggesting that Mojtaba Khamenei had already been chosen by the Assembly of Experts, stating that circulating claims about leadership candidates “have no official source and are officially denied.”
However, political signals from Tehran suggest a decision regarding the next Supreme Leader may be announced soon.
Wider Regional Escalation
The conflict has continued to expand beyond Iran.
Israeli forces have carried out additional strikes on targets in Tehran while widening operations against **Hezbollah in Lebanon.
At the same time, Iranian missile attacks across the Gulf have attempted to disrupt the US–Israel regional missile detection and defence network, including radar installations used for early warning systems in Qatar.
Military analysts say the next phase of the conflict could depend on whether Iran escalates further strikes against US bases or whether Washington intensifies its campaign against Iranian military infrastructure.
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