White House: Iran Operation Will End When Trump Determines Objectives Are Achieved
by Oh Suyon
Published 11 Mar.2026 05:59(KST)
Updated 11 Mar.2026 07:09(KST)
"Irrespective of Iran's Declaration of Surrender"
The White House announced on March 10 (local time) that the United States' military operation against Iran would end only when President Donald Trump determines that all objectives have been fully achieved.
On this day, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated during a briefing, "Ultimately, the operation will conclude when the Commander-in-Chief (President Trump) judges that the military objectives have been fully accomplished, and when he determines that Iran has reached a state of complete and unconditional surrender, regardless of whether Iran makes such a declaration."
This implies that even if Iran continues to resist and does not surrender, the United States may end the war if it believes its objectives have been achieved. In other words, Iran's declaration of surrender is not a condition for ending the conflict.
When asked whether President Trump wants Iran's "unconditional surrender," Press Secretary Leavitt responded, "When the President says Iran is in a position to surrender unconditionally, it does not mean he is claiming the Iranian regime will declare so." She added, "The President's remarks mean that Iran's threats will no longer be backed by a ballistic missile capability that supports its nuclear weapons development." She continued, "They may make empty threats, but if those threats are not backed by actions, they remain empty threats."
She further stated, "President Trump will judge that Iran has reached a state of unconditional surrender when Iran no longer poses a credible and direct threat to the United States and its allies."
Regarding the possibility of deploying U.S. ground forces, she said, "As Commander-in-Chief, the President does not rule out any options." This was a reiteration of the administration's previous stance.
Commenting on the status of the military operation against Iran, now in its 11th day, Press Secretary Leavitt said, "We are achieving victory in this crucial battle at a much faster pace than expected." She stated that since the beginning of the operation, Iran's ballistic missile attacks have decreased by over 90% and drone attacks by about 85%.
On international oil prices, she said, "The President and the energy team are closely monitoring the market and consulting with industry leaders, and the U.S. military is preparing additional response options to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as directed by the President." She added, "While I will not disclose specifics, the President will not hesitate to use these options." She also argued that the recent increase in oil prices is "temporary" and that "in the long term, this operation will lead to lower oil prices."
When asked about the possibility of lifting oil sanctions against countries such as Russia, she said, "There is no new announcement regarding sanction relief today," and mentioned that administration officials are still in discussions. According to reports by RIA Novosti and others, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson for Russia, also responded to questions about the potential easing of U.S. crude oil sanctions by saying, "This issue has not been discussed in any concrete terms."
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