Trump calls for Iran surrender as 60-day MoU expires.

US President Donald Trump demanded Iran surrender on Monday, August 17, 2026, as a 60-day memorandum of understanding between the two nations expired, marking a significant escalation in tensions that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The expiration of the interim deal, which had been intended to pause hostilities and create a framework for negotiations, has dimmed prospects for a diplomatic resolution and raised the likelihood of renewed conflict.

In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump stated, "Iran needs to raise the white flag of surrender," adding that Iranian officials are "good poker players, but they're dying." He emphasized that he was "not in a hurry" to set a deadline for Tehran's compliance. The president confirmed that the US naval blockade of Iran continues, describing it as costing the Iranian government hundreds of millions of dollars daily, and indicated that additional Treasury sanctions were expected this week.

The memorandum of understanding, signed in June, committed both sides to negotiating a final deal on broader issues, including Iran's nuclear program, within a maximum of 60 days. That period concluded on Monday. While the...