Donald Trump says U.S. won’t kill Iran’s supreme leader Khemenei, ‘at least not for now’

File photo of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) the U.S. knew exactly where Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was “hiding”, that he was an easy target but would not be killed, at least 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,” Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

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“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” Mr. Trump said.

He urged, in a social media posting Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” as the five-day Israel-Iran conflict continues to escalate.