Trump demands Iran end war via diplomatic deal or military escalation

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, 7 October, that Washington is approaching a final decision on ending the conflict with Iran, offering Tehran a choice between a diplomatic settlement or intensified military action. Speaking at an Anduril Industries event in Maryland on 6 October, Trump stated the US must "finish up" the war, which he claimed could conclude via a "nice way or the not-so-nice way." Leadership vacuum in Tehran The President told reporters at the White House that his primary obstacle to a ceasefire is a lack of identifiable leadership in Tehran. Following eight months of active hostilities, Trump claimed that successive tiers of Iranian officials have been eliminated. "Their leaders are gone, their second group of leaders are gone, and the biggest problem I have is nobody knows who the hell is running the country," Trump said before boarding Marine One. The conflict, which began in late February 2026, resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in its early stages. His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, remains out of public view following severe injuries. In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed Trump’s claims, asserting that Washington is fully aware of Iran’s decision-making hierarchy and blaming "mixed messaging" from US officials for the diplomatic deadlock. Nuclear concessions and energy crisis US Vice President JD Vance clarified late on 6 October that any permanent ceasefire requires a "meaningful"…