US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) demanded an “unconditional surrender” from Iran as tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv continue to escalate.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump declared, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and added, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding.”
He warned that “our patience is wearing thin” before posting in all caps, “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
“We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA,” he 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. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” Trump added.
His remarks come as Israel continues its offensive against Iran for the fifth consecutive day. Both sides have exchanged heavy fire, and explosions have been reported in Tehran. Iranian authorities have warned citizens in Tel Aviv and Haifa to evacuate as the conflict intensifies.
Israel has reportedly carried out airstrikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, triggering retaliatory attacks from Tehran.
Trump has consistently expressed strong support for Israel, insisting that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
Speaking earlier aboard Air Force One, Trump said there must be “a real end” to the conflict, not merely a ceasefire, while also suggesting that abandoning negotiations is an option.
“An end, a real end, not a ceasefire. An end. Or giving entirely. That’s OK, too,” he stated.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple — you don’t have to go too deep into it. They just can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump added.
Trump told reporters he expects clarity in the next 48 hours regarding Israel’s military intentions. “You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far,” he said, as per CNN.
CNN reported that Trump is scheduled to meet his national security team in the Situation Room on Tuesday (local time) to assess developments in the Middle East.
“I hope their programme is going to be wiped out long before that. They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters.
Trump cut short his visit to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, after Monday night’s dinner to address the growing Middle East crisis.
“I have to be back,” Trump said during a ceremonial photo-op with other G7 leaders. “You probably see what I see. And I have to be back as soon as I can.”