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President Donald Trump has refused to accept any deal with Iran until they agree to unconditional surrender.

Getting into it: In a post on Truth Social, Trump said there would be no negotiations with the Iranian government unless it fully capitulates, writing, “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” He added that if Iran were to surrender and install new leadership acceptable to the United States and its allies, the US would help rebuild the country. “After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before,” Trump wrote. He ended the message with the slogan “IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. ‘MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).’”

Trump has also suggested he wants a role in determining who leads Iran next following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In comments to Axios, Trump said he should have influence over the selection process, arguing that the choice will determine whether the country stabilizes or continues the conflict. “I have to be involved in the appointment,” Trump said, adding that he wants “a leader who will bring harmony and peace.”

He also pushed back on reports that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could succeed his father, dismissing him in blunt terms. “They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump said, reiterating that he would prefer a different figure to emerge as Iran’s next leader. Asked whether Iran needed to become a democracy, Trump responded, “No, I’m saying there has to be a leader that’s going to be fair and just.” He added that the leader must “treat the United States and Israel well” and maintain stability with other regional partners.

This all comes as Iranian officials have publicly denied that they are negotiating with the United States to end the conflict. However, reports have indicated that Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence may have reached out indirectly to the CIA early in the war to discuss possible terms for ending the fighting. Iranian leaders have rejected those reports as “propaganda” and insisted they are prepared for a prolonged conflict rather than seeking a negotiated settlement.