Karoline Leavitt: Trump's 'Strong Threat' Made Iran 'Cave'

White House press secretary credits president's rhetoric for forcing Iran to capitulate.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a government building or political figure in a state of solitude, with warm light and deep shadows creating a pensive, nostalgic mood.The White House's claims that President Trump's threats forced Iran to capitulate raise concerns about the administration's diplomatic approach ahead of high-level talks.NYC Today

President Donald Trump's top spokesperson, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, credited the president's 'strong threat' against Iran for making them 'cave to their knees' and agree to a ceasefire, ahead of the president's Tuesday night deadline.

Why it matters

Leavitt's comments suggesting Trump's rhetoric forced Iran to capitulate are unlikely to be well-received in Iran, as high-level U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, prepare to hold talks in Islamabad this weekend.

The details

During a White House press briefing, New York Times reporter Katie Rogers asked Leavitt about Trump's threat on Truth Social on Tuesday, in which he said 'a whole civilization will die tonight.' Leavitt directly credited the threat with forcing Iran to capitulate, saying it 'led the Iranian regime to cave to their knees and ask for a ceasefire and agree to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.' Leavitt also defended Trump's rhetoric, stating 'his very tough rhetoric and his tough negotiating style is what has led to the result that you are all witnessing today.'

  • On Tuesday, Trump made a threat on Truth Social saying 'a whole civilization will die tonight.'

The players

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary and top spokesperson for President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who made a 'strong threat' against Iran that Leavitt says forced them to capitulate.

JD Vance

The Vice President of the United States who is scheduled to hold talks in Islamabad this weekend involving high-level U.S. officials.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I think it was a very, very strong threat from the President of the United States that led the Iranian regime to cave to their knees and ask for a ceasefire and agree to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.'”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“'I understand the questions about the President's rhetoric, but what the President cares most about is results. And in fact, his very tough rhetoric and his tough negotiating style is what has led to the result that you are all witnessing today.'”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

What’s next

High-level U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, are scheduled to hold talks in Islamabad this weekend involving Iran.

The takeaway

Leavitt's comments suggesting Trump's rhetoric forced Iran to capitulate are unlikely to be well-received in Iran, as diplomatic efforts continue between the U.S. and Iran.