Trump confirms IRGC backchannel, calls for Iran’s ‘white flag of surrender’

President Donald Trump confirmed in an interview with Fox News on Monday, as a 60-day ceasefire deadline expired, that a direct backchannel for peace talks with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been established. Trump stated that Iran should 'put up the white flag of surrender,' emphasizing that his primary goal remains ensuring Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon in any form. He noted that he is 'not in a hurry' to reach a deal, citing the fractured state of Iranian leadership. Trump also issued a stern warning to Oman, stating that if the Gulf nation interferes with the talks, the U.S. would respond with military force. Regarding Israeli elections, the president said he believes it is appropriate to remain on the sidelines, though he did not rule out endorsing a candidate. Additionally, Trump claimed that Hamas is in the process of giving up its weapons and that the U.S. has its own relationship with the group, a claim that contrasts with the skepticism expressed by Israeli officials.