Trump calls on Iran to surrender

WASHINGTON,— U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to surrender unconditionally as missile attacks between Iran and Israel entered a sixth straight day, with both sides launching fresh strikes early Wednesday.

According to military sources, Israel reported two waves of missile fire from Iranian positions targeting central parts of the country, with explosions heard in the skies above Tel Aviv shortly after sunrise.

Israeli defense officials urged residents in southwestern parts of Tehran to evacuate in anticipation of targeted air raids.

Iranian outlets said strikes had hit a university affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) located in the eastern area of the capital. They also reported Israeli attacks on the Khojir missile complex, a site previously bombed by Israel in October.

Iran possesses the largest inventory of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, according to the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Iranian authorities say these weapons serve as a deterrent against threats from the U.S., Israel, and neighboring states.

Trump took to social media late Tuesday with a warning that Iran must surrender without conditions. He signaled the possibility of increased U.S. involvement, stating, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” referencing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “We are not going to take him out—for now.”

In a follow-up message, Trump posted a single phrase: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

The White House confirmed Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and later convened his National Security Council for nearly 90 minutes to review strategic options. No details were released about the meeting’s conclusions.

Three U.S. defense officials told Reuters that Washington is sending additional fighter jets to the region and extending current air deployments. So far, the U.S. has participated indirectly, helping intercept missile attacks on Israel but not conducting strikes of its own.

A source with access to U.S. intelligence reported movements of Iranian launch systems but said it was unclear whether the targets were American forces or Israeli assets.

In a related development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking from the G7 summit in Canada, said there was no sign the U.S. was preparing to directly enter the conflict.

Iranian media reported major blows to Tehran’s inner defense apparatus. Multiple top military advisers to Khamenei have reportedly been killed in airstrikes, significantly weakening the Supreme Leader’s command network.

In response, Iran’s cyber defense authority has restricted government communications, according to Fars News Agency.

The exchange of airstrikes follows Israel’s large-scale assault on Iran that began last Friday. Israel cited intelligence assessments suggesting Iran was nearing nuclear weapons capability. Iran has denied seeking such weapons, asserting its right to civilian nuclear development under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Israeli warplanes struck the Natanz enrichment plant directly, damaging its underground facilities. Iran was also recently found in violation of its non-proliferation commitments by the IAEA board.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue military action until Iran halts nuclear enrichment activities. Trump has said the offensive could be called off if Iran accepts strict limits on its nuclear program.

Israel claims it now controls Iranian airspace and plans to escalate operations. However, military analysts say penetrating sites such as the Fordow enrichment center, located deep under a mountain, would likely require American military support.

So far, Iranian sources have reported 224 deaths, primarily among civilians, while Israel has confirmed 24 civilian casualties. Populations on both sides have been relocated as the conflict spreads.

Strikes on energy infrastructure, including Iran’s South Pars gas field—shared with Qatar—have also triggered fresh concerns in global energy markets.

(With files from Reuters)