Egypt Daily News – Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically this week as former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a direct threat to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. The warning comes as speculation mounts over a possible U.S. military intervention, while global leaders call for urgent diplomacy to avoid regional collapse.
Trump: “We Know Where the Supreme Leader Is Hiding”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the U.S. has pinpointed Khamenei’s location, stating that he is an “easy target,” but asserted the U.S. would refrain from assassination “for now.”
“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 wrote. “But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”
He also called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as the conflict enters its fifth day, with both Israel and Iran exchanging unprecedented military strikes.
U.S. Military Posture Tightens
Trump has entered the White House Situation Room to meet with national security advisors. Four U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers are reportedly on standby at Diego Garcia, within striking distance of Iran, as additional fighter aircraft are being deployed across the Middle East.
Vice President JD Vance confirmed that military options are under active consideration.
“The president has made clear that Iran cannot have uranium enrichment,” Vance said. “That will happen one of two ways—the easy way, or the ‘other’ way.”
Vance acknowledged public concerns about military escalation but emphasized that Trump’s priority remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has struck deep into Iranian territory, targeting nuclear, missile, and command infrastructure. In a statement Tuesday, IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed the killing of Ali Shadmani, Iran’s newly appointed wartime chief of general staff, just days after his predecessor Gholamali Rashid was eliminated.
Israeli jets have reportedly hit 12 Iranian missile launch and storage sites, while new footage released by the IDF shows successful strikes on ballistic missile facilities and air defense systems.
Iran retaliated with further missile attacks, prompting sirens across northern Israel, including Haifa and surrounding areas. Residents have been ordered to seek shelter. The Israeli government confirmed that over 2,700 civilians have been evacuated, with 24 dead and more than 647 injured. Iran’s casualties have surpassed 220, according to regional sources.
Global Leaders Urge Restraint
Russian, French, and Middle Eastern leaders have issued urgent calls for de-escalation.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry denounced Israel’s strikes on Iran as illegal, reiterating Tehran’s stated commitment to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and diplomacy. Moscow also urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide an independent assessment of damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against regime change efforts, saying it would plunge the region into “chaos.” Macron added that Trump, during a recent G7 meeting, had appeared more open to a ceasefire than recent statements suggest.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II, in an address to the European Parliament, warned that the conflict threatens to spiral beyond regional borders:
“There is no telling where the boundaries of this battleground will end. And that, my friends, is a threat to people everywhere.”
Iran Issues Warning to Israeli Cities
In a video message broadcast by Iranian media, General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, urged residents of Tel Aviv and Haifa to evacuate immediately.
“The operations carried out so far have been a warning for deterrence – the punitive operation will be executed soon,” Mousavi said.
Iran has also arrested a foreign national accused of filming near its Bushehr nuclear plant for Israeli intelligence, in what Iranian authorities describe as an act of espionage.
Domestic Debate in the U.S. Over War Powers
Amid mounting tension, senior Democratic figures have called on Trump to seek Congressional approval before taking military action. Senator Bernie Sanders emphasized constitutional limits on presidential war powers:
“It is Congress that determines whether we go to war, not the president. Trump must not take illegal military action against Iran.”
Warnings From Allies and Neighbors
- UK Defense Secretary John Healey described the situation as a “dangerous moment” for the region, affirming support for Israel’s security but urging restraint and a diplomatic resolution.
- UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed warned against “uncalculated and reckless steps” that risk widening the war.
- Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “the greatest threat to security in the Middle East.”
Outlook: Uncertain and Alarming
As Israel and Iran continue tit-for-tat attacks, the region teeters on the edge of a broader war that could draw in multiple powers. With nuclear facilities in play, direct threats exchanged by heads of state, and mass evacuations underway, the path forward remains deeply uncertain. Diplomatic channels remain open—but the window to avert further catastrophe may be closing fast.
