U.S President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric against Iran on Tuesday, issuing a series of bold social media posts suggesting the U.S has the capability to eliminate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but is choosing not to, at least for now.
“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 wrote on his Truth Social account.
The dramatic declaration comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel.
Trump’s post was swiftly followed by another, more aggressive message that read simply: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
The messages have raised alarm about the potential for a deeper U.S involvement in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, especially as the President hinted at possible military action.
“We don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added in his post.
Trump cut short his participation at the G7 summit in Canada, returning to Washington late Monday.
He was scheduled to hold high-level security briefings in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday.
Despite repeatedly stating that the U.S is not seeking to become directly involved in the conflict, Trump has increasingly signaled that American intervention may be approaching. While avoiding direct reference to Israel, he praised the dominance of U.S military technology in the region.
“We have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” he said, suggesting a readiness to escalate if necessary.
That message mirrored recent statements from Israel, America’s closest ally in the Middle East, which has also claimed air superiority over Iranian territory amid continued strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One during his return flight from Canada, Trump dismissed the idea of a temporary truce.
“I want a real end, not a ceasefire,” he said. “I’m not in too much of a mood to negotiate.”
Trump has previously offered Iran a deal to abandon its nuclear ambitions, but that offer appears to be off the table as hostilities escalate.
The White House has yet to formally announce any shift in policy, but Tuesday’s statements suggest that strategic calculations may be changing quickly.
