Against the backdrop of the scenario where the US might join the war, US President Donald Trump wrote Tuesday evening on his social media platform Truth Social that he owns, "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!"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2025
Meanwhile, the US military is sending additional fighter jets to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other fighter aircraft to strengthen American military forces in the region during the war between Israel and Iran. Three sources reported this to the American news agency Reuters. One source told the news agency that the deployment includes F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets. Two sources emphasized the defensive nature of the fighter jet deployment.
Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter), "POTUS has been amazingly consistent, over 10 years, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Over the last few months, he encouraged his foreign policy team to reach a deal with the Iranians to accomplish this goal. The president has made clear that Iran cannot have uranium enrichment. And he said repeatedly that this would happen one of two ways--the easy way or the "other" way. He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment. That decision ultimately belongs to the president. And of course, people are right to be worried about foreign entanglement after the last 25 years of idiotic foreign policy. But I believe the president has earned some trust on this issue."
Earlier, Donald Trump said he wants a "real end" to the nuclear problem and does not intend to settle for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. In another statement, he said he aims for "unconditional surrender" by Tehran and may send senior officials to meetings with Iranian representatives. Meanwhile, the White House published a series of the president's past tweets, emphasizing that his position has not changed, and the aspiration is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also sent a threat to Tehran – and stood by Israel in its efforts to damage the nuclear project, stating, "If Tehran does not surrender, complete destruction of its nuclear program is on the table – this is something they cannot do alone."
