Iran Eases Threats of Regional Strikes, Responds to Trump’s Demands

On Sunday, Israel issued a stern warning to Iran, stating it “will not hesitate to target” anyone participating in the upcoming session to select a successor to the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during a recent joint attack by the U.S. and Israel.

Colonel Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces to Arab media, conveyed the warning through a post on X:

“After the removal of the tyrant Khamenei, the Iranian terrorist regime is attempting to regroup and choose a new leader, with the Iranian Assembly of Experts scheduled to convene in Qom soon for the first time in 40 years.”

He added, “Israel’s reach will continue to pursue the new leader and all those involved in their appointment. We caution anyone considering attending this session: you too are at risk of being targeted.”

Fox News’ Yonat Friling contributed to this report.

The Israel Defense Forces reported striking F-14 fighter jets stored at an airport in Isfahan, Iran.

In addition, the military indicated it had destroyed 16 aircraft belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force located at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran.

The operation was presented as part of Israel’s mission to maintain air superiority over Iran, according to military sources.

The Israel Defense Forces announced early Sunday that they had commenced a new series of attacks targeting Iranian regime infrastructure throughout Iran.

Following the announcement, the military indicated that missiles were launched from Iran towards Israel, and Israeli defense systems were activated to intercept these threats.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi remarked on Saturday that the Iranian regime is “crumbling,” with citizens eager to reclaim their country following U.S. and Israeli military operations that significantly impacted the leadership.

These operations, which took place last week, led to the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous other high-ranking officials, marking a critical juncture for change, according to Pahlavi.

“The people are clearly eager to rise and reclaim their nation. We observe elements of the regime disintegrating. Many individuals within Iran are prepared to step forward, which is essential for a successful and stable transition,” he shared during a Fox News appearance on “My View” with Lara Trump.

Pahlavi also asserted that following Khamenei’s death, the Iranian populace will reject outcomes tied to the existing regime.

“A clean break is imperative to secure not just a democratic resolution but also to ensure leadership unconnected to the existing regime,” he added.

Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, advocated for a transition from theocracy to democracy, pledging to assist in this process alongside various internal and military factions.

This is an excerpt of an article by Michael Sinkewicz.

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry reported on Sunday that two members of its General Department of Land Border Security lost their lives while on duty.

The officers were identified as Lt. Col. Abdullah Emad Al-Sharrah and Maj. Fahd Abdulaziz Al-Mujammad.

The ministry announced their deaths as occurring “while performing their national duty.”

An NYPD officer tragically passed away following a medical emergency while serving in Kuwait as part of Operation Epic Fury, confirmed the department.

The officer was identified as Sorffly Davius, who served in the 42nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army National Guard and held the rank of major. He joined the NYPD in 2014 and was assigned to the 79th Precinct.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed condolences, describing Davius as a “dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran” who “devoted his career to protecting others.”

Hochul noted Davius’s service on Joint Task Force Empire Shield, “defending the state’s most critical locations from threats” before his deployment.

“His life is a poignant reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders and soldiers,” Hochul stated. “Major Davius was a devoted husband and father. I have personally conveyed my deepest condolences to his wife and will keep his family, colleagues, and all who knew him in my thoughts. We continue to pray for the safety of every service member and first responder protecting us at home and abroad.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch expressed in a joint statement that Davius was a dedicated public servant.

“His career was marked by service—to his country and to New York City,” they remarked.

“Our thoughts are with Officer Davius and his family during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.”

Two fuel depots at Kuwait International Airport were targeted in a drone attack, causing a significant fire at one of the facilities, according to the country’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation.

The authority reported the attack occurred Saturday, resulting in “a large fire” at one of the depots.

Officials did not immediately identify those responsible for the attack or confirm any casualties.

This incident comes amid ongoing drone and missile strikes in the region, reflecting the escalating conflict involving Iran and U.S.- and Israeli-backed forces.

U.S. Central Command rebuked Iranian assertions on Saturday that their attacks across the Middle East solely targeted military sites.

In a statement on X, CENTCOM declared that the Iranian regime’s claim that civilian strikes were merely the outcome of missiles being diverted by U.S. defenses was unfounded.

“The Iranian regime recently claimed… that it has only attempted to target military sites, and that its missiles and drones were affected by U.S. tactics. This is a LIE,” CENTCOM asserted.

The command emphasized that U.S. forces and their regional allies are actively working to defend against Iran’s “intentional, indiscriminate, and reckless targeting of civilian infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and residential neighborhoods.”

CENTCOM reiterated its commitment to continue operations alongside regional partners to counter Iranian missile and drone threats.

Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson reported that Israeli forces conducted strikes on Iranian oil refineries located outside Tehran as hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify.

From Dubai, Tomlinson indicated that U.S. and Israeli forces are executing operations at a pace similar to the coalition’s air campaign during the Gulf War.

The capacity for Israel to maintain long-distance operations, roughly equivalent to the distance from New York to Minneapolis, is augmented by the presence of about 100 U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft in the area.

The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has transitioned from the eastern Mediterranean through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, while the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group is positioned in the Arabian Sea.

Furthermore, the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group is preparing for deployment from Norfolk, potentially bringing three U.S. carrier groups into the region temporarily.

The United Arab Emirates has been a significant target for Iranian missile and drone strikes, with over 40% of Iran’s launches directed towards the UAE.

The White House held an event on Saturday to honor six U.S. service members who lost their lives during Operation Epic Fury. The ceremony included images from the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base.

“The six fallen warriors represent the utmost dedication to America, laying down their lives in service to our country,” the White House stated in a post on X.

“Their sacrifices will remain in our hearts forever.”

The post further emphasized: “Freedom is never free. May God bless them, their families, and the United States of America.”

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth attended the solemn ceremony alongside other cabinet members to honor the fallen heroes.

In the wake of the U.S. and Israeli assaults on Iran, two Republican senators from the Senate Armed Services Committee asserted that the military actions have effectively “degraded” Iran’s capacity to retaliate.

However, in exclusive interviews with Fox News Digital, Senators Rick Scott from Florida and Ted Budd from North Carolina stressed that this military operation would not lead to ongoing U.S. involvement in “forever wars” in the Middle East.

“Our military is performing admirably,” noted Scott. He reiterated the need to halt Iran’s intentions to damage America, stating, “They want to destroy us. We must prevent that.”

Budd emphasized that “we have significantly impacted Iran’s capability to launch attacks against us… we’ve achieved notable success,” as they shared their views while attending a conservative economic conference in Florida.

President Donald Trump, who called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” stated that Iran would face severe consequences, hinting at “areas and groups” that had not previously been considered as targets.

Throughout the past week, Operation Epic Fury has expanded, particularly after Iran retaliated against a variety of nations in the region. This week, the Republican-majority House and Senate voted predominantly along party lines to counter attempts by Democrats to limit the president’s military authority.

In an interview, Trump mentioned he should have a role in choosing the next Iranian leader, following Khamenei’s assassination in the initial assaults.

Many conservative policymakers are wary that the strikes might necessitate extended American military engagement in the region, contrary to Trump’s campaign promises to avoid such conflicts.

“Trump consistently expresses disdain for long-term conflicts. Every conversation I’ve had with him showcases that sentiment,” Scott said. “However, we remain adamant about avoiding another form of leadership devoted to chanting ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to our allies’.”

Budd reiterated that “we favor a decisive engagement, aimed at resolution, followed by a return to peace for both our nation and the region.”

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser.

Footage captured by The Associated Press shows large explosions and significant smoke rising over Tehran Saturday night as the conflict between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces intensifies.

The clips display flashes in the sky followed by thick columns of smoke emanating above parts of the Iranian capital.

The strikes are part of an intensified military operation targeting Iranian military and infrastructure under Operation Epic Fury.

Reports indicate that numerous explosions and fires have been observed throughout Tehran as airstrikes hit strategic locations in and around the city.

Earlier Saturday, President Donald Trump cautioned that Iran would “be hit very hard” as the campaign against the regime’s military capabilities progresses.

President Donald Trump explained what he envisions as Iran’s “unconditional surrender” during remarks made with reporters aboard Air Force One.

When questioned about the form surrender would take, Trump indicated it would occur when Iran can no longer sustain its fight.

“It’s where they cry uncle or when they can’t fight any longer,” Trump stated.

He elaborated that this outcome could also derive from the elimination of Iran’s leadership and military capacity.

“There may be no one left to cry uncle. That scenario is also possible, as we have already removed their leadership numerous times,” Trump remarked.

“So it hinges on whether they give in or, if incapacitated, leave no one to surrender.”

A spokesperson for Vice President JD Vance responded sharply to an ABC News report alleging that Vance had intentionally maintained a low profile since the advent of Operation Epic Fury.

“This is ridiculous,” remarked Vance’s communications director William Martin wrote on X.

Martin’s response followed ABC News correspondent Selina Wang’s assertion that Vance had been “notably absent” from a presidential summit in Florida, insinuating he was deliberately keeping a lower public profile during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Martin stated that Vance had attended the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for the six U.S. service members killed in operation overseas.

“The Vice President was not in hiding; he was at Dover Air Force Base paying tribute to six American heroes lost overseas,” Martin clarified.

He added that Vance had appeared on national television since the onset of Operation Epic Fury as well.

U.S. Central Command released a video on Saturday showcasing American fighter jets launching from and landing on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier as operations against Iran persist.

The brief video, shared on X with the title “American-made firepower,” illustrates carrier-based fighter jets taking off and landing on the deck at sea.

The clip highlights the U.S. Navy’s carrier strike capabilities while military efforts continue against Iran across the region.

CENTCOM insisted that U.S. forces are actively targeting Iranian military sites to diminish the regime’s naval and missile capabilities.

President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the United States no longer requires British military assistance in the Middle East following what he characterized as a decisive victory against Iran.

Commenting on reports that the United Kingdom is considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, Trump suggested such a move was tardy.

“That’s alright, Prime Minister Starmer; we’ve managed just fine without you—but we will remember,” Trump remarked.

“We no longer need assistance from those who only wish to participate after we have already won!” he added.

The Pentagon issued a stark warning on Saturday following the deaths of six U.S. service members during Operation Epic Fury.

“If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will eliminate you,” stated Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell reiterated this message on X, asserting that “the greatest blunder anyone can make is killing an American.”

“We will pursue justice for our fallen. That’s a pledge,” Parnell asserted.

These remarks came as the U.S. honors the six service members lost in a drone attack on March 1 in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during Operation Epic Fury.

President Donald Trump declared Saturday that the U.S. is “extracting massive oil quantities” from Venezuela while pledging to “assist” in addressing Cuba’s regime in the wake of the ongoing focus on Iran.

While speaking at the Shield of the Americas Summit in Florida, Trump prefaced his remarks by noting that since the January operation to apprehend former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, the administration has “been collaborating closely with the new president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez,” mentioning that she is “effectively working with us.”

“We’re extracting tremendous amounts of oil. They’re making more money now than they have at any point in history. The big oil companies are involved, generating profit for us,” Trump stated. “They’re making record profits, and we are receiving some benefits from it.”

“I’m happy to share that we’ve formally recognized the Venezuelan government. We’ve even reached a groundbreaking agreement regarding the gold trade with Venezuela, allowing both nations to engage in cooperative endeavors,” Trump noted, referencing a license issued by the Treasury Department that restricts transactions with Minerven—the Venezuelan state-owned gold mining company—among others.

“As we facilitate a historic transformation in Venezuela, we’re also looking ahead to the anticipated changes in Cuba. Cuba is nearing a pivotal moment,” Trump added. “They are experiencing significant financial challenges, and their regime has been detrimental for an extended period. They were reliant on Venezuelan resources, but now are devoid of both financial support and oil from Venezuela.”

This is an excerpt from an article by Greg Norman-Diamond.

President Donald Trump arrived at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday afternoon to attend the dignified transfer ceremony for the six U.S. service members who died supporting Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared that the nation is currently engaged in a state of war as he visited wounded civilians affected by Iranian strikes.

“The UAE has resilience and strength; we are not an easy target,” stated Sheikh Mohammed.

Additionally, the UAE’s Defense Ministry confirmed on Saturday that it successfully intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, while reports noted that attacks from Tehran have resulted in three fatalities and 112 injuries since hostilities began.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

After a week of U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iran, two Republican senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee noted that the strikes have effectively “degraded” Iran’s capabilities.

However, in exclusive interviews with Fox News Digital, Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Ted Budd of North Carolina underscored that these military actions should not lead to prolonged U.S. commitments in “forever wars” in the region.

“Our military is executing its mission admirably,” Scott stated. He added, “Iran seeks to harm America, and we must take steps to prevent that.”

Budd highlighted the military’s success, asserting, “We have substantially decreased Iran’s ability to retaliate… our operations have yielded significant victories.”

Both senators made their remarks during a conservative economic conference in Florida hosted by the influential Club for Growth, which promotes fiscal accountability and conservative policies.

This is an excerpt from an article by Paul Steinhauser.

Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) all confirmed interceptions of Iranian missiles and drones on Saturday, in contradiction to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s claim that Tehran would cease attacks on neighboring countries.

The defense ministries of the respective countries reported successful interceptions, with Qatar’s defense ministry asserting they thwarted a missile attack. Additionally, Bahrain experienced alarms for the seventh time on Saturday.

Prior to these interceptions, Pezeshkian had extended apologies to neighboring countries, indicating that Iran would only launch strikes if it was provoked.

“I would like to apologize on behalf of Iran to countries that have faced Iranian attacks. Such actions will not persist unless we are attacked first,” he noted, as reported by the Associated Press.

This apology follows U.S. Central Command’s report from Friday, which detailed multiple attacks led by Iran across 12 different nations since Operation Epic Fury began, including strikes against civilian areas in Bahrain.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released footage showcasing the Israeli Air Force intercepting an Iranian UAV before it breached Israeli airspace.

Since the initiation of “Operation Roaring Lion,” the Israeli Air Force has intercepted over 110 UAVs launched by the Iranian regime towards Israel, as stated by the IDF.

Said “Operation Roaring Lion” is the operational title Israel uses in relation to Operation Epic Fury.

The IDF aims to thwart threats to Israeli civilians by degrading the military infrastructure of the Iranian terrorist regime.

President Donald Trump delivered remarks on Saturday at the Shields of the Americas summit in Doral, Florida, where he highlighted the achievements of U.S. forces and commemorated the six service members who perished.

“We are performing exceptionally well in Iran; results have been remarkable. We’ve incapacitated 42 Navy vessels, including several large ships, within just three days. That effectively neutralized their naval power. We’ve dismantled their air force and disrupted their communications, rendering them nearly ineffective,” Trump stated.

The president also claimed that the world has witnessed the “supreme power” of the United States within the past year.

The U.S. State Department reported on Saturday that over 28,000 American citizens have safely returned to the U.S. from the Middle East since Operation Epic Fury commenced. This count does not include Americans who relocated to neighboring countries or those currently in transit back to the U.S.

The department highlighted that it has conducted more than a dozen charter flights to facilitate evacuations from the region. Additionally, the department affirmed that it will step up flights and ground transportation operations in line with the evolving security context.

American citizens in Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel requiring travel assistance are encouraged to complete the Crisis Intake Form.

U.S. citizens in the Middle East needing assistance can contact the department’s task force 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444.

The UAE Ministry of Defense announced late Saturday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted 16 ballistic missiles, with 15 destroyed and one falling into the sea. Moreover, the systems detected 121 UAVs, 119 of which were intercepted, while two landed within UAE territory.

In total, since the onset of hostilities, the UAE has reported detecting 221 ballistic missiles, 205 of which were neutralized, with 14 falling into the sea and two landing within UAE borders. Additionally, 1,305 Iranian UAVs have been tracked, with 1,229 intercepted while 76 fell within UAE territory, along with eight detected cruise missiles that were destroyed.

The UAE’s Ministry of Defense also reported that the Iranian attacks led to the deaths of three foreign nationals and 112 injuries among various nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, and others.

Earlier on Saturday, Pezeshkian had issued an apology to neighboring nations, claiming that the attacks would halt should they refrain from aggressiveness.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that more than 80 Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted targeted strikes in Iran. Among the targets was a university reportedly utilized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for officer training. Additional targets included ballistic missile storage sites, underground command infrastructure, and launch points aimed at Israel in western and central Iran.

“These actions impair the Iranian regime’s capability to conduct operations against Israeli civilians,” stated the IDF.

Israel and the U.S. embarked on the current conflict with Iran last week as both countries initiated military actions against Tehran, with one strike resulting in the death of Khamenei.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the U.S. is constructing ten new battleships that will be “100 times more powerful” than those from the 1940s.

“We’re going back to building big battleships, reminiscent of the ones from the past,” Trump reflected on U.S. naval might during WWII. “They are magnificent. The most stunning ships. Those large battleships from the 1940s.”

In remarks made at the Shield of the Americas summit in Doral, Florida, Trump suggested the current vessels being developed are “100 times stronger” than those used in the past.

“While we hope to avoid utilizing them, we want to ensure that no one dares to challenge us,” Trump emphasized. “It’s advantageous to have such power, even if we never deploy it. They may claim I’m overly militaristic, but I was the one who ended eight wars.”

While speaking at the Shield of the Americas summit, President Donald Trump pledged to maintain the U.S. engagement in the war with Iran at a minimal level, especially in light of the recent loss of six service members.

“I’m heading to Dover shortly. It’s a sad occasion to greet the families of these heroes returning from Iran, in a fashion they never anticipated. However, they are true heroes for our nation, and we will protect that legacy. Despite the inherent risks of war, we will strive to keep casualties low,” Trump shared during the event in Doral, Florida.

Furthermore, he mentioned: “Operation Epic Fury is not merely a Middle East initiative but a service to the global community.”

“These are troubled individuals; they pose serious threats,” Trump remarked.

President Donald Trump asserted at the Shield of the Americas summit that Iran would have developed a nuclear weapon if the U.S. had not executed Operation Midnight Hammer last summer.

“They were perilously close to acquiring a nuclear weapon. If it weren’t for our B-2 operations named Midnight Hammer, they would have possessed it by now,” Trump stated in Doral, Florida.

President Donald Trump is addressing the Shield of Americas summit, a gathering of leaders from across the Americas focused on coordinated efforts to combat drug trafficking while the U.S. continues its military actions against Iran.

Attendees include prominent leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei, Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira, Chilean President-elect Jose Antonio Kast, and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.

As the leaders convene, American forces continue executing Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued warnings to civilians in Lebanon, advising them to evacuate specific areas as Israel targets Iranian proxy Hezbollah. Warnings were accompanied by maps indicating regions in southern Lebanon slated for military action.

“The IDF plans to strike military facilities associated with the Hezbollah terrorist organization, following its outlawed attempts to resume activities in the area,” the IDF cautioned. “We advise all residents in the marked areas, as well as those nearby: evacuate immediately and move at least 300 meters away for safety.

Remaining in the vicinity of marked structures poses significant risks,” the warning further elaborated.

Multiple Hezbollah sites were targeted after the organization launched rocket and drone strikes against Israel on March 2, marking its first Military actions since a November 2024 ceasefire.

Fox News Digital’s Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump derided Iran as the “loser of the Middle East” after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian conveyed an apology to neighboring countries while promising to halt attacks unless provoked.

In a post on Truth Social Saturday, Trump suggested that Iran would retain its “loser” designation for years, “until they surrender or, more likely, collapse completely.”

Responding to Operation Epic Fury, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes against at least 12 countries in the area, with several Arab nations indicating heightened military readiness and considering potential military actions against Iran.

“Iran, which is severely outmatched, has apologized and surrendered to its neighbors, promising not to launch any further assaults,” Trump maintained on social media. “Their regret is only a product of the sustained U.S. and Israeli onslaught. They aimed to dominate the Middle East.”

“This marks the first occasion in thousands of years that Iran has faced defeat against its neighboring countries. They have expressed gratitude towards President Trump,” he continued. “I have replied, ‘You’re welcome!’ Iran is no longer seen as the ‘Bully of the Middle East,’ but rather as ‘THE LOSER OF THE MIDDLE EAST,’ a title they will bear for decades unless they surrender or ultimately collapse!”

“Today, Iran will face severe repercussions!” Trump declared. “We are seriously considering additional areas and groups that haven’t yet been targeted due to their poor behavior. Thank you for your attention to this issue!”

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi cautioned European nations against participating in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East during an interview with FRANCE 24.

Takht-Ravanchi stated that Iran had previously communicated to the Europeans the need for caution in avoiding involvement in this “war of aggression against Iran.” He further warned that any country supporting the U.S. and Israel in their aggressions would also become legitimate targets for Iranian retaliation.

He disclosed that Iran was “negotiating in good faith” with the U.S. prior to the commencement of Operation Epic Fury.

Takht-Ravanchi’s statements followed an apology from Iranian President Pezeshkian, who asserted that attacks on neighboring countries would cease unless provoked.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly contacted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to extend condolences for the civilians killed in the recent “armed Israeli-American aggression against Iran” and expressed sympathies regarding the death of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Putin urged for an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to diplomatic channels in a statement released by the Kremlin, as reported by Reuters.

“Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s principled position advocating for a swift cessation of hostilities, rejecting the use of force to resolve issues related to Iran or emerging in the Middle East, along with promoting a return to diplomatic means,” noted the Kremlin statement.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Saturday that his nation is apologizing to neighboring countries that have been targeted by Iranian forces, adding that future assaults will occur only if Iran is provoked.

“On my own behalf, I apologize to the neighboring countries affected by Iran. From this point forward, we will not strike neighboring nations unless they initiate hostilities against us,” he declared.

This announcement was made during a prerecorded televised address following Iranian strikes on multiple countries.

Pezeshkian’s remarks followed consultations between the temporary leadership council and Iran’s military, addressing coordination issues after the deaths of Khamenei and other officials.

The president also stated that the U.S. demand for unconditional surrender is a “fantasy” that they should abandon.