Washington D.C., June 18, 2025 – The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran reached a critical new inflection point today as former (current) US President Donald Trump publicly stated he is “considering a US strike on Iran” following a stark warning to its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The pronouncements have sent shockwaves across the globe, raising fears of a direct US intervention in the escalating Middle Eastern crisis.

The fiery rhetoric from President Trump comes as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its sixth day, with both nations trading missile attacks and airstrikes. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv and in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and other cities like Karaj, throughout the day.

In a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump asserted that the United States has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran.” He then issued a chilling message directly to Ayatollah Khamenei, stating, “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.”

Minutes later, Trump followed up with an even more forceful demand: “Our patience is wearing thin. UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

The US President’s statements have been widely interpreted as a significant escalation of his administration’s stance, moving beyond earlier indications of a primarily defensive posture. Reports from various US news outlets, citing anonymous US officials, suggest that President Trump is indeed weighing a range of options, including a possible strike on Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear site, which is believed to be central to Iran’s nuclear program.

These considerations emerged after President Trump cut short his attendance at the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington for urgent discussions with his National Security Council. White House officials confirmed a 90-minute meeting took place on Tuesday to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly retaliated to Trump’s threats on social media platform X, declaring, “The battle begins. Ali returns to Khaybar,” and adding, “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.” This defiant response signals Tehran’s unwavering resolve in the face of mounting pressure.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers have begun efforts to rein in any potential executive action, with some introducing resolutions that would require congressional approval for any military force against Iran, short of self-defense. However, the likelihood of such measures passing a Republican-majority Congress remains uncertain.

The international community watches with bated breath as the volatile situation unfolds, acutely aware that any direct US military action against Iran could have profound and unpredictable consequences for regional and global stability. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether diplomacy can still avert a wider war, or if the region is on the precipice of an even more devastating conflict.