Updated on: March 7, 2026 / 11:33 PM EST / CBS News
In a late Saturday phone interview with CBS News, President Trump brushed off threats from Iran’s top national-security official, Ali Larijani, who posted on social media that Mr. Trump must “pay the price” for U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a longtime confidant of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has emerged as a prominent figure after Khamenei’s Feb. 28 killing on the first day of the war. Asked about Larijani, Mr. Trump said, “I have no idea what he’s talking about, who he is. I couldn’t care less,” and called Larijani “already been defeated.”
Mr. Trump also dismissed recent critical statements from Larijani and other Iranian leaders as signs of weakness, saying they are diminished in the region. He reiterated that U.S. strikes will continue as he demands an “unconditional surrender” from Iran.
Earlier Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a video apology to Iran’s neighbors for retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East, saying Iran would stop striking other Persian Gulf states unless attacked first. He later backtracked, posting that Iran “have not attacked our friendly and neighboring countries” and that its strikes targeted U.S. military bases, facilities and installations.
Mr. Trump told CBS News that Larijani had sought to take over the Middle East and had conceded to other regional countries because of U.S. pressure. “He’s already surrendered to all of the Middle Eastern countries because he was trying to take over the entire Middle East,” Mr. Trump said, adding that attacks had long been planned against those countries.
The exchange highlights uncertainty over who the U.S. might engage diplomatically as Iran’s leadership grapples with both Mr. Trump’s military campaign and internal tensions. While Larijani is a key voice, an interim three-person council that includes Pezeshkian now plays a central role in governance.
Mr. Trump expressed confidence in his Middle East strategy, saying U.S. operations have significantly degraded Iran’s military and regime and will expand inside Iran. “It’s been incredible, the job we’ve done. The missiles are blow to smithereens,” he said. “They’re down to very few. The drones are blown. The factories are being blown up as we speak. The navy is gone, it’s at the bottom of the sea. Forty-two ships, 42, in six days, 42 ships. The navy is gone. The air force is gone. Every single element of their military is gone. Their leadership is gone.”
U.S. Central Command said at least 43 Iranian ships had been damaged or destroyed in U.S. strikes and more than 3,000 targets struck since the start of the war. “We’re winning at levels never seen before and quickly,” Mr. Trump added.
On allies, Mr. Trump said he is focused on U.S. military efforts and those nations that supported his approach early. When asked if he wanted allies to do more, he replied, “I couldn’t care less. They can do whatever they want. The loyal ones are already in.”
His remarks followed a Truth Social post noting that the U.K. had readied two aircraft carriers for possible deployment to the Middle East. Mr. Trump said the carriers were unnecessary and a late gesture, and he rebuked British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for what he characterized as a slow response to U.S. requests to use British bases during the strikes.