Trump demands Iran's unconditional surrender

THE Middle East was on the brink last night as Donald Trump called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” amid reports the US was massing warplanes in the region.

- By Giles Sheldrick Chief Reporter

In a series of online posts, Mr Trump warned the US knew the location of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He added that he did not intend to assassinate him, “at least not for now”.

The US president also declared “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran”.

His use of “we” led to speculation that the US was ready to pile in behind Israel, five days after it began attacking its deadly rival from the air.

But it was also suggested that Mr Trump's comments were a tactic to force Iran to sign a deal to end non-civilian nuclear enrichment and cease attacks on Israel.

They come after he urged Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee — causing gridlock at petrol stations and roads out of the Iranian capital — and amid reports the US military was bolstering its fighter jets and warplanes in the region.

Target

The attacks by Israel on Iran’s nuclear and other infrastructure have led Tehran to respond with multiple missile and drone attacks in return.

Mr Trump said on social media that his patience was wearing thin with Iran and suggested the senior cleric was an “easy target” who the US could “take out” if it chose.

It comes after claims that he had previously vetoed Israel’s plot to assassinate Khamenei, fearing it would inflame the powder keg in the Middle East.