Trump Calls Iran’s Supreme Leader an “Easy Target” Amid Rising Tensions Between Israel and Tehran

Washington, D.C. — June 17, 2025

Amid intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a fiery speech Monday night, labeling Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an “easy target” and calling for Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”

Speaking to supporters at a rally in Florida, Trump criticized the current administration’s “weak stance” on Iran, warning that inaction could lead to a wider, uncontrollable conflict in the Middle East.

“We cannot afford to keep playing nice with Iran. Khamenei is a threat, but also a weak one. If I were in office, this would have been dealt with already,” Trump said.
“It’s time for unconditional surrender. Enough games.”

The remarks come as Israeli forces continue to strike targets inside Iran in what Tel Aviv describes as “preemptive deterrence.” Iran has responded with limited missile fire, but tensions are rising sharply as both sides exchange threats.

While President Biden’s administration has so far avoided direct involvement, U.S. officials are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Some members of Congress are pressing for a stronger U.S. posture in the face of escalating threats to regional allies.

Security analysts have also warned of a cyber spillover, with pro-Iranian hackers ramping up attacks on Western infrastructure in response to the strikes.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomats urging restraint while military analysts brace for what could become the most serious confrontation between Israel and Iran in recent history.