Donald Trump has taken to social media to demand Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’, revealing that the United States knows the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While he stated that the U.S. would not kill Khamenei ‘for now’, he emphasized the need for Iran to comply. ‘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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!’ Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. In a follow-up message, he simply stated, ‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!’
Earlier in the day, Trump claimed, ‘We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.’
In related developments, Israel’s defense forces launched additional airstrikes on Tehran early on Wednesday, warning residents to evacuate certain areas for their safety. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a call on social media, urging citizens in Tehran’s Area 18 to leave immediately due to the risks posed by the ongoing military actions. Eyewitnesses reported strong explosions in several districts of the capital on Tuesday night, leading to heavy traffic congestion as residents fled the city.
Amidst the turmoil, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Wednesday that hypersonic missiles were deployed in their latest assault on Israel, although reports on the damage inflicted remain unclear.
In a show of defiance, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei asserted via X that the nation would retaliate against what he termed the ‘terrorist Zionist regime’. ‘We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy,’ he announced.
In reaction to Trump’s statements, Senator Bernie Sanders warned against any illegal military action targeting Iran, while Democratic Senator Tim Kaine pushed for a war powers resolution to restrain U.S. forces from direct action without Congressional approval.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz hinted that Khamenei could meet a fate similar to that of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was overthrown during the U.S.-led invasion and later executed.
Trump is reportedly considering endorsing support for Israel through targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, particularly the Fordow facility, which is heavily fortified and may require U.S. military intervention due to its underground location.
As tensions simmer in Washington among lawmakers, a divide has emerged between conservative hawks advocating for immediate military action and those urging non-involvement. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has engaged Republican Senator Ted Cruz in discussions on this complex issue.
On the diplomatic front, the United States announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Jerusalem until Friday, reflecting the severe security situation. Meanwhile, residents of Tehran experienced panic, with shops closing and evacuation efforts intensifying as conflict reached its fifth day.
In Washington, Senator Kaine emphasized the need for Congress to assert its authority before the conflict escalates further, arguing that ‘we should not allow a war of the magnitude of this to begin with Congress hiding from the responsibility’ that was established in the Constitution.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that it had executed an ‘Operation Honest Promise 3’, using advanced missiles during their recent attacks, claiming superiority in the skies over contested territories. However, this assertion lacks corroborative evidence at present.