President Donald Trump issued a blunt and chilling warning to Iran on Tuesday, demanding “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and hinting that the U.S. may strike Iran’s Supreme Leader if attacks on Israeli or American forces continue.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the U.S. knows “exactly where” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is located, calling him an “easy target” who is “safe — for now.”
“We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump wrote. “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!”
Minutes later, he followed up with a two-word post in all caps: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
Trump’s comments came shortly after boasting that American-made weapons have given Israel full control of Iranian airspace. “We have achieved complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” he claimed, adding that Israel’s weapons — made in the U.S. — easily overpower Iran’s “good sky trackers and other defensive equipment” which, he noted, were “not American made.”
The statement marks a dramatic escalation in rhetoric, even as the Trump administration insists that U.S. forces are not directly involved in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iran’s nuclear program.
Despite denials from top officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s words — combined with a rapid increase in U.S. military activity — suggest something more serious may be coming.
Trump left the G7 summit early, telling reporters, “I have to be back,” as tensions in the Middle East boiled over. “You probably see what I see,” he said. “And I have to be back as soon as I can.”
Not long after his departure, the Pentagon moved the USS Nimitz strike group — including five guided missile destroyers and an entire air wing — toward the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, U.S. refueling aircraft shifted to Europe, destroyers moved closer to Israel, and families at American bases in the Middle East were cleared to fly home.
At the center of the crisis is Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility — a heavily fortified site buried deep in a mountain near the city of Qom. While Israeli forces have destroyed multiple Iranian nuclear and military targets, they don’t have the weapons to take out Fordow. The U.S. does.
Destroying it would likely require a B-2 stealth bomber and the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator — a bomb specifically designed to break through bunkers protecting weapons of mass destruction.
Despite the military buildup, Trump hasn’t ruled out diplomacy. On Monday, he said, “I think Iran basically is at the negotiating table where they want to make a deal, and as soon as I leave here, we’re going to be doing something.”
Still, with missiles flying, cities under attack, and Trump publicly warning Iran’s top leader, the region is on edge.
The State Department updated its travel warning for Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank to “do not travel,” citing growing danger.
“The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is unpredictable,” the advisory said. “Security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning.”
