Khamenei won't be hunted ‘for now': Trump issues veiled threat, calls for Iran's surrender
Iran and Israel have ramped up their missile attacks as the world waits to see what action US President Donald Trump will take after leaving the G7 summit of world leaders in Canada a day early because of intensifying hostilities in the Middle East.
Residents of Tehran were caught in gridlock trying to flee the city as global anxiety centred on whether the United States would broker an end to the conflict or enter the fray by helping Israel destroy Iran's deeply buried nuclear enrichment facility at Fordow, which only US 'bunker-buster' bombs can reach.
Trump said on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) that the US knew exactly where Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was 'hiding', that he was an easy target but would not be hunted – at least for now.
In a social media post, he urged Iran's 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' as the five-day conflict continues to escalate.
'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,' Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
'But we don't want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.'
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It follows reports earlier this week that the US president vetoed a plan presented by Israel to the US to kill the Iranian leader.
Trump returned to the White House from his abbreviated visit to the G7 summit in Canada early Tuesday where he signed a statement from G7 leaders calling for a de-escalation in hostilities, despite early reports of his reluctance.
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