As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its second week of open hostilities, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a series of stark warnings to Tehran, demanding an immediate halt to its nuclear enrichment program and threatening severe consequences if American forces are targeted in the region.
“The U.S. knows exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding,” Trump posted, referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “He’s an easy target — but not for now.”
The statement came just days after Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, reportedly with prior knowledge from Washington.
Trump’s rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers. While some Republican allies have backed his hardline stance, others in Congress—both progressive and conservative—have called for legislation requiring Congressional approval before any military action against Iran is authorized.
With tensions at a boiling point, Trump’s threats have added a new layer of uncertainty to an already explosive regional conflict. Analysts warn that any miscalculation could trigger a broader war involving multiple nations.