‘Not Going to Kill Khamenei, At Least for Now’: Donald Trump’s Big Warning for Iran

A day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would bring the conflict to an end, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning, claiming that American intelligence knows “exactly” where Khamenei is hiding.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“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!”

In a separate post, Trump demanded “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” — a remark widely seen as an ultimatum to Tehran.

The comments come as hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify. Under “Operation Rising Lion,” Israeli forces have struck multiple Iranian military and nuclear sites since Friday. Israel says the strikes are aimed at halting Iran’s alleged progress toward developing nuclear weapons.

As the Israeli offensive entered its fifth day on Tuesday, panic gripped the Iranian capital. In Tehran, air raid sirens rang out repeatedly, prompting residents to flee in growing numbers. Streets clogged with traffic heading out of the city, especially to the west, and long lines formed at fuel stations. Many shops, including the historic Grand Bazaar, shut down amid fears of further escalation.

“It looks like no one is living in this city,” one resident told the Associated Press.

Adding to the unrest, Trump issued a call for the “immediate evacuation” of Tehran, urging residents to leave the city. Hours later, he abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada and flew back to Washington.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters, “I’m not looking at a ceasefire. We’re looking at better than a ceasefire,” suggesting an even more aggressive U.S. posture may be forthcoming.

Despite Tehran’s official assurances that the situation is under control, the tone from both Washington and Tel Aviv points to a dangerous and fast-escalating standoff.