US President Donald Trump was set to meet his national security team in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the escalating West Asia conflict, fuelling fresh speculation that the US is on the verge of joining Israel’s attack on Iran. 

Before the meeting, Trump posted a demand for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and warned of a possible strike against Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “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,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Israel signalled Tuesday that it will intensify its strikes on Iran, which have targeted the country’s nuclear facilities as well as military leaders. US weapons are seen as key to achieving a more complete destruction of the Islamic republic’s atomic programme than anything Israel can do alone. 

The escalating war began five days ago with a surprise Israeli attack, and has seen the sworn enemies trade missile salvos. 

 

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Published on June 18, 2025