The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to increase international tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran to "surrender unconditionally" on his Truth Social network and declared that the United States knows the exact location of the hideout of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But he also said the US has no plans to kill him yet. Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) urged caution to avoid a wider regional conflict, while the UK sent fighter jets to the Middle East to protect its interests. Meanwhile, Iran warned residents of the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv to evacuate immediately.
In a post on the Truth Social platform, Donald Trump said: "We know exactly where the so-called 'supreme leader' is hiding. He's an easy target, but he's safe there - we won't remove (kill!) him yet, at least not now. But we don't want missiles fired at civilians or US soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Shortly thereafter, he added another post with a significant "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!"
Trump also said that the U.S. has "complete and absolute control over Iranian airspace", indicating a significant military superiority. His rhetoric comes at a time when Israel has continued to attack Iranian military targets and facilities linked to its nuclear programme since Friday 13 June 2025, which Israel justifies as an effort to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict. According to Reuters, the Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty in telephone conversations with the U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called for an immediate ceasefire. Similarly, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed warned that "ill-considered and reckless actions" could lead to a wider regional conflict.
Britain responded to the growing tensions by sending Royal Air Force (RAF) fighters to the Middle East. The British Defence Secretary John Healey said that the main objective is "strengthen de-escalation and security in the region" and to protect British interests in Cyprus and Oman from potential threats from Iran. He added that the jets could also be used to support allies, suggesting possible coordination with Israel and other partners.
A senior Iranian military commander has called on residents of the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv to evacuate immediately, the semi-official Iranian Mehr news agency quoted Reuters as saying. The call comes after Iran carried out attacks on the two Israeli cities during five days of fighting. Iran describes its actions as retaliation for Israeli strikes on its military targets and nuclear facilities.
The Guardian/gnews.cz - GH