Six days into the Israeli and American bombing campaign, Iran has shown no interest, at least publicly, in surrendering. Instead, it has done the opposite, expanding the war to Arab states that host American bases and attacking them with missiles and drones, though in diminishing numbers in recent days.

But Mr. Trump demanded in a social media post that the country capitulate, after which he said would come the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), and promised that the United States and its allies will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction.”