Trump Declares Control Over Iranian Airspace, Says U.S. Won't Kill Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei 'For Now' | Sahara Reporters
Using his Truth Social platform late Monday, Trump blamed Tehran’s leadership for escalating tensions, insisting that Iran’s refusal to sign a nuclear disarmament deal had led the country down a destructive path.
President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States has taken total control of the airspace of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He made this claim in a series of posts on X.
He initially posted "unconditional surrender" and then followed up with: "We know exactly where the so-called supreme leader is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there. We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.
“But we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter."
"We now have complete and total control of the skies in Iran. Iran had a good sky trackers and defensive equipment, and plenty of it but it does not compare to American made, conceived and manufactured stuff. Nobody does it better than the USA," he posted on his official X handle.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2025
Previously, SaharaReporters reported that Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian civilians: evacuate the capital city, Tehran, immediately.
Trump’s message came amid growing global alarm over what many now describe as the worst confrontation between the long-time regional adversaries.
Using his Truth Social platform late Monday, Trump blamed Tehran’s leadership for escalating tensions, insisting that Iran’s refusal to sign a nuclear disarmament deal had led the country down a destructive path.
"Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" Trump posted.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2025
While the U.S. has not formally returned to the negotiating table under Trump’s leadership, Trump’s comments reflect his long-standing hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and a deepening concern that the conflict could spiral out of control.
Tensions flared into open warfare days ago, with Israel and Iran starting to launch retaliatory strikes that have killed scores and disrupted regional stability.
On Tuesday, air raid sirens reportedly blared across parts of Israel and Iran amid renewed missile exchanges.
Trump, who was attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, left the high-level diplomatic gathering early, sparking speculation about possible U.S. involvement in ceasefire negotiations.
French President Emmanuel Macron claimed Washington had initiated a truce proposal, but Trump swiftly denied that assertion.
"Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that," Trump wrote, dismissing Macron’s remarks.
At the summit, world leaders issued a joint statement condemning the violence and calling for a de-escalation of tensions. They warned that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself against external threats.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Israeli missiles reportedly struck Iran's state television headquarters while a live news broadcast was underway on Monday.
The development sent shockwaves through the studio, causing the immediate stoppage of the broadcast.
A viral video circulating on social media, reposted by Daily Iran Military, shows the moment chaos erupted during a live transmission.
A visibly shaken female anchor was delivering the news when a thunderous explosion rattled the studio.
Thick smoke and falling debris forced her to flee her desk mid-broadcast.
