Tuesday June 17, 2025|
By Idorenyin UMOREN
Security Evaluator
United States, US President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran’s Supreme Leader on Tuesday, declaring on social media that the U.S. knows Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s location but has chosen not to target him “for now.”
In a separate post, Trump appeared to call for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”—intensifying speculation over whether the U.S. might back Israel’s ongoing strikes on Tehran’s leadership and nuclear infrastructure.
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there—we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” said Trump.
Moments later, the U.S. President followed up with a blunt, all-caps message: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
President Donald Trump cut short his trip to the G7 summit in Canada late Monday as tensions between Iran and key U.S. ally Israel intensified. He was scheduled to meet with top officials in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday.
Although Trump has repeatedly emphasized that the U.S. is not yet involved in the conflict, he maintained that Iran could still accept a deal to end its nuclear program—an offer he made prior to Israel’s military strikes.
However, recent statements suggest that American involvement may be drawing closer.
On Tuesday, Trump declared that the U.S. has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” applauding the use of American-made weapons—though he stopped short of directly referencing Israel. Notably, Israel had made a similar claim days earlier.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return flight from Canada, Trump stated he wasn’t interested in a mere ceasefire. “I want a real end, not a pause,” he said, adding, “I’m not in too much of a mood to negotiate.”
