Iran must unconditionally surrender, U.S. patience is running out – President Donald Trump
[Washington, June 18, 2025] — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Tuesday, stating that Iran must "unconditionally surrender" or face the consequences, as America's patience is "rapidly running out." He also said there were currently no plans to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump made these remarks as the Israel-Iran air war entered its fifth day. Overnight explosions were reported in Tehran and the central city of Isfahan. Israel claimed it had targeted missile launch sites and weapons depots in Tehran.
Israel's strong message
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Iran's Supreme Leader that he could face the same fate as Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, who was hanged in 2006 after a U.S.-led invasion.
"Stop committing war crimes and firing missiles at Israeli citizens," Katz told top Israeli military officials.
Trump’s Truth Social messages
Trump posted multiple statements on his own social media platform, Truth Social.
He wrote:
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. We are not going to take him out (kill!) — at least not for now... but our patience is wearing thin.”
Three minutes later, he posted again:
“UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
Hints at diplomatic possibilities
Despite the aggressive tone, Trump indicated that diplomacy was not entirely off the table. He mentioned the possibility of sending Vice President JD Vance or Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with Iranian officials.
He added that his early departure from the G7 summit had “nothing to do” with a ceasefire negotiation, but hinted at “something much bigger” on the horizon.
U.S. military preparedness
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the U.S. is deploying more fighter jets to the Middle East and extending the deployment of aircraft already in the region. So far, U.S. involvement has been limited to intercepting Iranian missiles targeting Israel.
The White House reported that President Trump held a 90-minute meeting with the National Security Council on Tuesday to discuss the conflict.
Iran’s internal crisis and cyber warfare
Israel claimed it had killed Ali Shadmani, Iran’s newly appointed Chief of Staff. The loss of multiple military advisers has reportedly created significant gaps in Khamenei’s security circle.
Iran’s cyber command has banned officials from using mobile phones due to security breach concerns, according to Fars News. Iranian media also reported that Israel had launched a “massive cyber attack” on the country's digital infrastructure.
Nuclear issue: On the brink of a final clash?
Israel claimed to have directly struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the strike violated non-proliferation agreements.
Defense Minister Katz said deeply buried nuclear facilities like Fordow are also targets. However, Germany’s Chancellor noted that attacking such sites would likely require direct U.S. military involvement.
Iran claimed it struck Israel’s military intelligence and Mossad’s operational center, although Israel has denied this.
