Trump Hints at Possible Strike as Iran’s Khamenei Defies U.S. Threats

Tone & Political Bias: Weakly Right-Leaning

Why: The coverage emphasizes Trump’s statements and military readiness, presents Iranian leaders as defiant, and gives slightly more weight to U.S. strategic narratives than diplomatic alternatives.

Trump Suggests U.S. May Strike Iran

President Donald Trump said on June 18 that he may order a military strike on Iran, warning reporters outside the White House that “the next week is going to be very big.”

When asked directly about military action, Trump said, “I may do it. I may not do it,” adding ambiguity to an already escalating crisis. His comments came just one day after he demanded Iran's “unconditional surrender” via social media and warned that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was an “easy target.” Trump claimed Iranian officials had contacted Washington to seek dialogue but said it was “too late to be talking.”

Khamenei Refuses Surrender Amid Missile Barrage

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected the idea of surrendering to Trump’s demands in a nationally televised address on June 18. “The Iranian nation cannot be surrendered. We will not accept any kind of submission,” he declared.

Khamenei accused the U.S. of making threats without understanding Iran's resilience. “Threatening language will not work on Iran,” he added. His remarks came after six consecutive nights of Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which have now spread fear among civilians in both Tehran and Tel Aviv.

Civilians Flee Cities as Bombings Intensify

Mass evacuations began in Tehran after Israeli jets struck more than 20 targets overnight, according to Israeli military statements. Iran's missile production sites and underground nuclear facilities were primary targets.

Highways out of Tehran were congested as families attempted to escape. One resident, Arezou, told Reuters: “We will stay in Lavasan as long as this war continues. My friend’s house was hit. They are civilians. Why are we paying the price for the regime’s decision to pursue a nuclear programme?”

Meanwhile, in Israel, residents took shelter in train stations and basements as Iranian missiles retaliated.

Israel Sets Sights on Iran’s Fordo Facility

Israel’s National Security Advisor, Tzachi Hanegbi, stated on June 17 that their military campaign will not end until the Fordo nuclear enrichment plant — Iran’s most fortified facility — is destroyed.

Fordo is built deep within a mountain and contains over 1,000 uranium enrichment centrifuges. Hanegbi emphasized that even if the U.S. doesn’t participate, Israel is prepared to go it alone. “The operation is entirely blue and white,” he said, referencing the Israeli flag.

While Israel lacks the U.S.-developed 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), or “bunker buster,” officials hope to collapse access tunnels using smaller bombs unless the U.S. intervenes with its specialized munitions.

Pentagon Signals Readiness as Tensions Escalate

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 18, stating the Pentagon is “ready for whatever action the president might order.”

Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. military has the capabilities needed to execute strikes, should Trump decide to act in support of Israel’s operations against Iran.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Israel has requested assistance with bunker-busting bombs to hit deeply buried nuclear infrastructure.

U.S. Conservatives Divided on Iran Strategy

A tense exchange between Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz highlighted divisions among conservatives over potential U.S. intervention.

Cruz supports regime change in Iran and told Carlson that “it’s in America’s interest.” Carlson challenged Cruz’s knowledge of Iran and criticized the call for overthrowing a foreign government without a clear understanding of the consequences.

The debate underscored growing unease among conservative circles about another potential war in the Middle East.

Iran’s Losses and Ongoing Threats

Khamenei has suffered significant military and nuclear personnel losses over the past week due to Israeli strikes. Despite this, he remains defiant, warning the U.S. and Israel that any further involvement would result in “irreparable damage.”

He urged Iranians not to show fear. “If the enemy feels that you are afraid, he will not let you go,” Khamenei said. As diplomatic pathways shrink, military posturing intensifies on all sides, and the humanitarian toll continues to rise.