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'I may do it, I may not; No one knows what I'll do': Trump on striking Iran
Donald Trump said his patience with Iran had run out, as Israeli airstrikes intensified in Tehran. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei rejected Trump's call for unconditional surrender
Prateek Shukla New Delhi
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his patience with Iran had run out. His statement came amid intensified Israeli airstrikes around Tehran.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said Iran had made contact, but added, 'it's very late to be talking.' He refused to confirm whether the US would support Israel's bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic.
'There's a big difference between now and a week ago,' Trump said. 'Nobody knows what I'm going to do.'
Asked if he is moving closer to striking Iran's nuclear facilities, Trump said, 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.'
Iran's Supreme Leader rejects US demands
In response, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Trump's calls for unconditional surrender in a televised address — his first since Friday.
'The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,' Khamenei said. 'Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender.'
Israel continues strikes; civilians flee Tehran
As the conflict escalated, Israeli airstrikes intensified, prompting residents to flee Tehran in large numbers. Highways out of the city were jammed with people trying to escape the bombing.
'As we promised – we will continue to strike at symbols of governance and hit the Ayatollah regime wherever it may be,' said Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.
According to Israel's military, 50 fighter jets struck 20 targets in Tehran, including facilities involved in missile production. The Israeli military also urged civilians to evacuate parts of the city for their own safety.
Trump's tone has shifted in recent days — from hinting at a diplomatic solution to suggesting military involvement. In a series of social media posts on Tuesday, he speculated about targeting Khamenei and demanded Iran's 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!'
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