Here's the latest:
President Trump called on Iran to surrender without conditions to bring an end to its dayslong conflict with Israel, saying the U.S. knew the location of the country’s leader but was choosing not to take any action. “He is an easy target, but is safe there—We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
Trump made the comments as the U.S. expanded its military footprint in the region where the war between Israel and Iran entered a fifth day. The president left a G-7 summit in Canada early after signing onto a statement calling for peace and stability in the Middle East, saying he wasn’t doing so to work on a cease-fire but for something “much bigger than that.” Asked to clarify, Trump said he wanted “an end, a real end, not a cease-fire.”
The White House said the U.S. isn’t joining Israel’s attacks on Iran, amid speculation fueled by recent military buildup in the region. A third U.S. Navy destroyer entered the eastern Mediterranean Sea to help defend Israel from Iranian ballistic missiles, and a second U.S. carrier strike group is heading toward the Arabian Sea. Tanker aircraft that could potentially help refuel Israeli jet fighters also appeared to be heading to the region, according to flight trackers and people familiar with the matter.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said he had directed “the deployment of additional capabilities” to the Middle East to enhance U.S. forces’ “defensive posture” in the region.
While the Pentagon says the military buildup is purely defensive, it puts the U.S. on a firmer footing to join Israeli attacks on Iran should Trump decide to do that. Alternatively, it could be a tactic to pressure Iran to capitulate or make concessions.
What else to know:
The U.N. atomic agency said an Israeli strike directly hit the underground halls at Iran's largest enrichment facility, Natanz.
Oil prices rose again as Vice President JD Vance said President Trump "may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment."
The Israeli military said it killed one of Iran’s most senior military commanders in an airstrike in Tehran.
Tehran residents reported long lines at gas stations and traffic jams as people rushed to flee the city, anticipating more attacks.
Last Updated:
June 17, 2025 at 12:50 PM ET
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