Trump Demands Iran 'Wave the White Flag' as Ceasefire Clock Runs Out

President Trump delivered a blistering ultimatum to Iran in a fiery Fox News interview, declaring that Tehran should "put up the white flag of surrender" as the clock winds down on the fragile 60-day U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Speaking with unmistakable confidence, the president dismissed any suggestion that political timing was driving his approach, insisting he has "no time schedule" and is "not in a hurry," and flatly rejecting the idea that the upcoming midterms factor into his strategy. In a striking disclosure, Trump confirmed that a direct backchannel with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains open, offering a rare glimpse into the private diplomacy unfolding behind the scenes even as his public rhetoric grows sharper by the day.

The president did not mince words when describing Iran's negotiating position, calling its officials "good poker players" while insisting the regime is "dying" under the weight of sustained pressure. His tone turned even more combative when addressing the ongoing talks between Iran and Oman over control of the Strait of Hormuz, warning bluntly that the United States would "bomb the shit out of" Oman if it interferes with the critical waterway. The remarks underscore just how high the stakes remain in the region, with global shipping lanes and energy markets hanging in the balance as the ceasefire deadline approaches without a finalized peace agreement, according to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, reporting live from Tel Aviv.

On the Israeli front, Trump struck a notably more restrained tone, declining to endorse any candidate in the country's upcoming elections while leaving the door open, saying only that he "may endorse somebody" down the line. He also pointed to encouraging signs on the Hamas front, revealing that Washington maintains its own direct relationship with the group and that Hamas is "giving up their guns" under U.S.-led pressure. Notably, the president advised Israel against launching new strikes on Gaza at this critical juncture, signaling a preference for allowing American diplomatic channels to run their course rather than risking a fresh escalation that could unravel the fragile progress made so far.