Trump Calls for Iran's Unconditional Surrender in Conflict with Israel

What Happened?

President Donald Trump issued strong rhetoric toward Iran after sending a clear message to its supreme leader Tuesday afternoon.

The president took to Truth Social, claiming that military officials know exactly where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 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.

While the conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified, Trump added, 'We don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers.'

'Our patience is wearing thin' Trump said as he now pushes Iran for an 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!'

The Trump administration has insisted it's not involved with Israel's direct actions that have initiated this conflict entering its sixth day.

But after gathering with cabinet members in the Situation Room on Tuesday, Trump’s latest comments suggest the U.S. is prepared to back Israel's actions.

Why it Matters

Trump's announcement comes two days after reportedly vetoing an Israeli plan that involved intent to assassinate Khamenei.

The focus is now aimed at solely ending Tehran's plans of growing unsupervised nuclear powers.

'I want to see no nuclear weapon in Iran, and we're well on our way to making sure that happens,' Trump said on Monday.

He reiterated that again to reporters on Tuesday claiming that Iran 'just can't have a nuclear weapon.'

Iranian leaders had called on Trump to push for a ceasefire as the only way to stop its aerial war against Israel.

Instead, Israeli forces claimed on Tuesday to have killed a top Iranian general as it traded more strikes, according to reports.

Trump also issued a warning to Tehran residents to evacuate the area after claiming the U.S. now has 'complete and total control of the skies over Iran.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously made a similar remark surrounding the Israeli Air Force controlling the Tehran skies on the 'path to victory.'

Some reports have highlighted the U.S.'s director of national intelligence's concise verdict on Iran not building a nuclear weapon back in March.

On Tuesday, Trump brushed aside that assessment, claiming, 'They were very close to having one.'

How it Affects You

The clock is ticking for Iran's 'second chance' to conduct successful nuclear talks with the U.S.

It's unclear how Iran will respond to the strong U.S. pivot to backing Israel on this objective.

President Xi Jinping condemned Israel's actions and said China was ready to play a constructive role in easing the situation.

It adds potential conflict for the U.S. as it looks to conclude a trade deal with Beijing.

Should Iran decide not to renew these nuclear talks, it will not only signal a major setback for the U.S. and Middle East diplomatic efforts.

But it may also destabilize the Middle East across multiple regions and further complicate a tariff war with China.