Trump Says U.S. Knows Khamenei’s Location, Holds Off Military Strike for Now

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning

Why: The coverage relies heavily on Trump’s statements without presenting broader dissent or international context, reflecting a right-leaning narrative focus.

The Trump White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Trump Claims U.S. Has Located Iran’s Supreme Leader

President Trump stated on June 17 that the U.S. knows “exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He called Khamenei an “easy target” but added that the U.S. would not take lethal action “at least for now.” The post came via Trump’s Truth Social account amid heightened regional tensions.

Call for “Unconditional Surrender”

Trump escalated rhetoric by demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” saying the regime was “reeling” and “begging for mercy.” He accused Iran of targeting civilians and U.S. troops and warned that patience was running out. He added that protecting civilian lives remains a key U.S. priority.

Security Discussions and Strike Probability

A top-level national security meeting was held Tuesday afternoon. Sources familiar with the meeting said Trump maintained decision-making authority regarding potential military action. Pentagon officials estimated a high likelihood of U.S. strikes against Iranian targets within hours of the briefing.

U.S.–Israel Coordination and Airspace Control

Trump claimed that U.S. and Israeli forces had achieved “complete and total control” over Iranian airspace. Israeli officials reportedly view this moment as a key opportunity to disrupt Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. A recent Israeli strike reportedly killed senior commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh and targeted military sites near Tehran.

Vice President Vance: Balancing Military and Diplomacy

Vice President J.D. Vance signaled that Trump could pursue military options to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment. At the same time, he noted the administration’s preference for avoiding prolonged conflict. Vance emphasized that any decision would be guided by long-term U.S. interests.

Divided Reactions in U.S. Politics

Some Trump-aligned figures, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson, voiced opposition to military escalation. Meanwhile, other conservatives backed the administration’s firm stance on Iran. Democrats including Bernie Sanders and Tim Kaine called for congressional oversight before any further military actions.

Civilian Impact and Global Response

Civilians in Tehran have reportedly begun evacuating areas near military sites amid fears of further strikes. Iranian media confirmed infrastructure damage and multiple injuries. Calls for de-escalation have come from the EU, China, and Russia, urging all sides to pursue diplomatic resolutions.