US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and declaring, “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran”.
In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump said, “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.”
He added: “Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2025
The comments come amid heightened conflict between Iran and Israel, and following a National Security Council meeting convened by Trump on Tuesday.
Trump’s Vice-President, JD Vance, stressed the administration’s cautious stance, stating, “The president has shown remarkable restraint in keeping our military’s focus on protecting our troops and protecting our citizens.”
He added, “He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment,” but noted that Trump had “earned some trust on this issue”.
The US has deployed and extended the presence of fighter jets in the region for defensive operations, including intercepting drones and missiles.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the moves as purely defensive.
Meanwhile, Trump signed a joint G7 statement reiterating support for Israel’s security and calling Iran “the principal source of regional instability and terror.”
The statement urged broader de-escalation in the Middle East but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire.
Trump denied French President Emmanuel Macron’s claim that a ceasefire offer had been made, posting: “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that.”
Speaking from Air Force One, Trump said he was seeking more than a ceasefire: “a real end,” suggesting he wanted Iran to “give up entirely.”
Source: ABC.
