During a recent CNN conversation, U.S. and allied bombing campaigns in Iran will continue until the country agrees to “unconditional surrender.” This statement reflects a strategic position in which the United States will not halt military operations or negotiate a cease-fire until Iran is effectively incapable of continuing hostilities.

According to Trump, “unconditional surrender” does not necessarily require a formal agreement signed by Iranian leadership. Instead, it refers to a point at which Iran’s military infrastructure, leadership, and operational capabilities are sufficiently degraded so that it can no longer wage attacks or pose a serious threat to U.S. interests and regional allies. In other words, the surrender is measured by the elimination of Iran’s ability to fight rather than any formal diplomatic document.