US President Trump on the 17th called for Iran's "unconditional surrender" and warned that America's patience is running out.
Trump left the Group of Seven (G7) summit a day early on the 16th to return to the White House and convene a national security team meeting to discuss the military conflict between Israel and Iran.
Before the meeting, he took to his social media platform “Truth Social,” using all caps in English, to call on Iran to "unconditionally surrender," while also warning of potential actions against Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei.
He stated: "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. Taking him out would be effortless, but for now, he is safe. We won't eliminate him—at least not yet.”
Trump and the national security team met for over an hour in the White House Situation Room. The White House did not immediately release a statement following the meeting, but multiple US media outlets reported that Trump is considering a range of options, including joining Israel's airstrikes against Iran.
Earlier, on his way back to the White House from Canada aboard Air Force One, Trump told the media: "I am not in the mood to negotiate with Iran."
He also stated that his goal is to bring the conflict between Israel and Iran to a "real end," rather than just achieving a "ceasefire."
He said: "I am not looking for a ceasefire (between Israel and Iran). We are seeking something better than a ceasefire – an end, a real end, not just a ceasefire."
Iran Will 'Strongly Counter' Israel
Following Trump's call for Iran's "unconditional surrender," Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei announced on the social media platform X on the 18th that "the battle has begun."
He stated: "In the name of the noble Haidar, the battle has begun."
Haidar is one of the titles for Ali, cousin of Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims regard Ali as Muhammad's successor and the first Imam.
He added: "We must give a strong response to the Zionist terrorist regime (Israel). We will show no mercy to the Zionists."