ISLAMABAD: Tensions between the United States and Iran have reached new heights as former US President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” warning of dire consequences if Tehran does not comply.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described Iran as “totally defenceless” and claimed the country was seeking negotiations after years of confrontation.
He criticized Tehran for not engaging sooner, asserting that military options remain open as conflict intensifies across the region.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump’s demands, saying the Iranian nation will never surrender to external pressure.
We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime.
We will show the Zionists no mercy.— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 17, 2025
He warned that any US or Israeli military action would lead to “irreparable damage” and emphasized that peace cannot be imposed on Iran through threats.
Missile exchanges between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with both sides reporting casualties and infrastructure damage.
Regional Tensions Spiral Out of Control
Iranian state media confirmed multiple Israeli airstrikes on key facilities in Tehran, including a missile production site and a Revolutionary Guards-linked university.
Meanwhile, thousands of Iranian civilians are fleeing major cities amid fears of further airstrikes, creating panic and traffic chaos.
Israel’s military reported intercepting two waves of Iranian missiles early Wednesday morning, with explosions heard over Tel Aviv.
Iran has also arrested several suspected Mossad agents and claims to have downed an Israeli Hermes drone over Isfahan.
Cyberattacks, mass evacuations, and fears of broader war are gripping both nations as leaders on both sides refuse to back down.
Turkey and Russia have called for immediate de-escalation, while Germany has urged Iran to return to the negotiation table.
Global Pressure Mounts as Diplomacy Falters
The US is deploying additional fighter jets to the region, but has yet to directly engage Iranian targets.
Trump met with top national security officials to discuss military options, while also warning Iran that patience is wearing thin.
He stated on social media, “We know exactly where Khamenei is hiding. We are not taking him out — for now.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations and G7 leaders are urging restraint as fears grow of a wider regional conflict.
Markets remain volatile, especially with missile strikes threatening key energy facilities like Iran and Qatar’s South Pars gas field.
