Tensions in the Middle East surged on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that American “patience is wearing thin,” before posting a bold statement on social media demanding “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
Though Trump stopped short of authorising a strike on Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he did not rule it out entirely, stating, “at least not for now.” The president’s remarks came as reports emerged that he is weighing the option of joining Israel’s ongoing military campaign targeting Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, according to CBS News.
The U.S. government, however, has maintained that it is not currently involved in Israel’s military operations.
In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei responded with defiance, vowing that the Islamic Republic “will never compromise with Israel” and would “show the Zionists no mercy.” His statement came as Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Iranian infrastructure for the fifth consecutive day, with both nations locked in a dangerous exchange of fire.
However, on the international stage, Europe appears deeply divided. France has urged restraint and warned against any Western-backed push for regime change in Tehran, while Germany has expressed quiet approval of Israel’s military actions, calling them “dirty work” that serves broader regional interests.
Despite growing calls for evacuation, Iranian civilians remain largely trapped. “It’s not easy for 10 million people to just leave,” one Tehran resident said, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation on the ground.
