Washington, June 23, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran’s leadership this week, heightening already strained tensions following a U.S.-led military operation targeting Tehran’s underground nuclear facilities.
In a public message shared via social media during the early stages of the Middle East crisis, Trump addressed Iran’s Supreme Leader with a chilling directive: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”, coupled with a firm assertion that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon”.
The threat followed intensive airstrikes, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, against Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites on June 22, which reportedly utilised B‑2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles.
Trump later clarified that while the U.S. is not seeking to eliminate Iran’s leadership at this stage, he delivered the message to underscore serious consequences if Iran continues its nuclear programme. “We know exactly where the so‑called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” he said, adding ominously, “He is an easy target, but is safe there, at least for now”
The former president used the moment to reaffirm the administration’s previously stated goal: to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, clarifying that while the strikes were tactical, any Iranian retaliation would be met with overwhelming force. “We don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” he warned
Trump also indicated that regional stability remains a consideration, stating the U.S. might be open to ceasefire negotiations, but only if Iran halts its nuclear ambitions. “We’re not looking at a cease‑fire. We’re looking at better than a cease‑fire,” he noted after ending his visit to the G7 summit and returning to Washington.
Domestically, Trump’s warning received mixed reactions. German, British and UN officials urged immediate restraint and diplomacy, while some Republican figures praised the show of deterrence . Democrats, however, criticized the lack of Congressional oversight, describing the decision to escalate as precipitous and constitutionally questionable.
As the region braces for potential retaliation from Iran, which has already launched missile salvos at Israel, Trump’s message underscores the fragile balance between containment and confrontation. His emphasis on evacuation and implicit leadership targeting marks a warning of escalation absent diplomatic engagement.
