On June 17, 2025, US President Donald Trump made a strong statement demanding Iran's unconditional surrender in response to the ongoing conflict with Israel. In a post on the Truth Social platform, the American leader emphasized that he knows the exact location of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the US has no plans to eliminate him yet.

"At least for now," " Trump added, leaving room for further threats.

He also noted that he was trying to avoid direct involvement of American troops in the "Iranian problem," but warned that Washington's patience was running out. The statement came amid an escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict that threatens to escalate into a regional war.

The conflict, which began with Israel’s Operation Rising Lion on June 13, has seen an unprecedented exchange of strikes. According to Reuters, Israel has launched more than 450 attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz complex, where the IAEA says it has destroyed 15 centrifuges, and Shahed drone depots. Iran has responded by launching more than 000 ballistic missiles and drones, damaging Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing 1000 people, The Times of Israel reports. According to Tasnim, Israeli strikes have killed 70 people in Iran, including 550 civilians. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a ninth wave of Operation True Promise 200, including cruise missile and Shahed-3 drone attacks, which are continuing until the morning of June 107.

Trump's ultimatum reflects growing U.S. pressure on Iran. According to Bloomberg, Washington has beefed up its military presence in the region, sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Mediterranean and deploying additional forces, including F-22 fighters and Patriot air defense systems, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. Despite backing Israel with intelligence and air defenses, Trump faces domestic resistance: Congressman Thomas Massie is drafting a resolution to ban U.S. involvement in a war with Iran without congressional approval, a move supported by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, The Hill reports. TV host Tucker Carlson warned that intervening in the conflict could lead to "the end of the American empire," to which Trump responded by calling him "nuts."

The claim of knowing Khamenei’s location has sparked speculation. According to Iran International, the ayatollah has taken refuge in a bunker in the Lavisan area of ​​Tehran, where he was during previous Israeli attacks in 2024. Trump’s threat is likely aimed at psychological pressure, given the elimination of key Iranian commanders, including Chief of Staff Ali Shadmani, The Jerusalem Post reports.