US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for Iran's “unconditional surrender” and warned that US patience was running out, but said there was “no intention yet” to eliminate the Iranian leader as the air war between Israel and Iran entered its fifth day.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could face a similar fate to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was overthrown in a US-led invasion and hanged in 2006 after a trial.
“I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and attack Israeli civilians with missiles,” Katz told top Israeli military officials.
Explosions were reported from Tehran and the central Iranian city of Isfahan, while Israel said Iran fired more rockets at it on Tuesday night, with air raid sirens sounding in Tel Aviv and southern Israel. The Israeli military said it had hit 12 rocket launchers and warehouses in Tehran.
Mr Trump's comments, which have spread on social media, indicate a more aggressive approach to Iran as he considers whether to deepen American intervention.
“We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding,” he wrote on Truth Social. “We are not going to take him out (kill him!), at least not yet… Our patience is running out.”
Three minutes later he posted the message: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
Trump’s sometimes contradictory and cryptic messaging about the conflict between close U.S. ally Israel and longtime foe Iran has added to the uncertainty surrounding the crisis. His public remarks have ranged from military threats to diplomatic overtures, in keeping with a president known for his penchant for unpredictability in foreign policy.
Trump said Monday he could send U.S. Special Representative to the Middle East Steve Witkoff or Vice President J.D. Vance to talk with Iranian officials.
People take shelter at the Carmelit underground funicular station in the northern Israeli city of Haifa on June 17, 2025, amid fears of an Iranian missile attack. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
The president said his earlier departure from the G7 summit in Canada had “nothing to do” with the ceasefire talks and that “much more” was expected.
Mr Vance said the decision on what to do about Iran's uranium enrichment programme, which Western powers suspect of aiming to build nuclear weapons, “ultimately lies with the president”.
Leader of Great Britain
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
