Monday, 25 May 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump (Source Reuters)
Trump urges Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as airstrikes persist
DUBAI/JERUSALEM –US President Donald Trump demanded on Tuesday that Iran surrender unconditionally and cautioned that America’s patience was running out.
However, he clarified that there were no immediate plans to target Iran’s leader, “for now,” as the Israel-Iran aerial conflict entered its fifth consecutive day, according to Reuters.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, also issued a stark warning, stating that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could share the same fate as former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was overthrown in a U.S.-led invasion and executed in 2006 after a trial.
“I warn the Iranian dictator against persisting in war crimes and launching missiles at Israeli citizens,” Katz told senior Israeli military leaders.
Reports of explosions later emerged from Tehran and from Isfahan, a city in central Iran. Meanwhile, Israel reported fresh missile launches from Iran, with air raid sirens blaring in both Tel Aviv and southern parts of the country.
Trump’s statements, issued via social media, signaled a tougher approach toward Iran as he considers expanding U.S. involvement in the conflict.
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” he posted on Truth Social. “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now... Our patience is wearing thin.”
Just three minutes later, Trump followed with a post in all capital letters: “Unconditional surrender!”
His unpredictable and at times contradictory messaging regarding the ongoing conflict between the United States’ close ally Israel and longtime adversary Iran has heightened uncertainty amid the crisis.
Trump’s public remarks have veered from military threats to diplomatic signals, reflecting his characteristic unpredictability in both domestic and international affairs.