Israel-Iran conflict: Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’ from Iran, issues warning to Supreme Leader Khamenei

US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran on Tuesday (June 17) with a series of provocative statements posted on Truth Social, claiming total American air dominance over Iran and issuing a direct warning to its leadership.

In one post, Trump declared that the United States now has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” adding that Iran's defense systems are no match for American military technology. “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,’” he wrote. “Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.”

Threat to Iran’s Supreme Leader

In a more alarming statement, Trump claimed the US knows the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “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.

He warned, however, that continued missile threats against American soldiers or civilians would not be tolerated. “Our patience is wearing thin,” he added.

‘Unconditional surrender’

Capping the posts, Trump issued a blunt demand: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

Trump returns to Washington amid escalating Iran crisis

Trump cut short his appearance at the G7 Summit in Canada to return to Washington for urgent national security talks, as tensions with Iran reached new heights. His early arrival on Tuesday followed Israel’s fifth straight day of missile strikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.

“They should have done the deal. I told them, ‘Do the deal,’” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “So I don’t know. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.”

Urging evacuation of Tehran

In a sharp message delivered on social media, Trump warned Tehran’s residents to evacuate immediately, emphasising the grave risk posed by the conflict.

“Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

When asked to clarify, Trump responded: “I just want people to be safe.”

Israel’s military campaign intensifies

Israeli officials claim their campaign has devastated Iran’s air defenses, giving them the freedom to strike targets across the country. While they’ve hit multiple nuclear-related sites, Iran’s Fordo enrichment facility remains intact, shielded deep underground.