18/06/2025
Trump weighs up whether to order US strikes on Iran as Israel pummels Tehran and tells people to evacuate... while Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issues a chilling cryptic warning
By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN and NIKKI SCHWAB, SENIOR U.S. POLITICAL REPORTER IN WASHINGTON, D.C. and ELENA SALVONI and MELISSA KOENIG and DAN WOODLAND and LETTICE BROMOVSKY
Published: 13:02 BST, 15 June 2025 | Updated: 01:20 BST, 18 June 2025
Donald Trump is reportedly considering a US strike on Tehran following Situation Room crisis talks with security advisers about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Inside sources say the US President is weighing up whether to join Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites, including in Fordow, CBS reports.
It comes as Israel warned the residents of Tehran to evacuate before sending drones to pummel the city.
Both Israel and Iran launched fresh strikes at each other overnight, with Iranian state TV warning of 'a surprise tonight that the world will remember'.
Residents in Tel Aviv were seen running for shelter as missiles rained down on the city and the Iron Dome sprang into action.
Earlier, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a chilling cryptic warning, saying: 'In the name of the noble Haidar, the battle begins.'
Haidar is an alternative name for Imam Ali, the fourth Muslim caliph and a revered figure in Shia Islam.
Speculation of a US strike on Iran had already been mounting amid reports the American military is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East.
Trump yesterday urged Iran's 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' as the fifth day of conflict between the two arch foes raged on.
He also issued a death threat to Khamenei, and said the U.S. knows where he is hiding but doesn't want him killed 'for now.'
'We know exactly where the so-called "Supreme Leader" is hiding,' the U.S. President wrote on Truth Social.
'He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.
'But we don't want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.'
Live updates below
Breaking:Trump enters the Situation Room as four B-52 nuclear bombers prepare for launch
Trump says Iran's Supreme Leader is an 'easy target'
Donald Trump issued a chilling threat to Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the U.S. knows his precise location and he's an 'easy target.'
Donald Trump has entered the White House Situation Room as he prepares to make the biggest decision of his presidency - whether to engage U.S. forces in Israel's war with Iran.
Before meeting with his generals Trump issued a chilling death threat to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, revealing the U.S. knows his precise location and that he is an 'easy target.'
Trump's stunning declaration came as it emerged four U.S. B-52 Stratofortress bombers are currently stationed at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, within striking distance of Iran.
Israel-Iran conflict: Key updates as Trump warns he wants 'real end' to nuclear programme
If you're just joining us, we have been reporting live updates throughout the day as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fifth day.
Here's what you need to know this afternoon:
President Donald Trump said the U.S. knew exactly where Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was 'hiding', that he was an easy target but would not be killed, at least for now.
The US military is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes, three US officials have told Reuters.
A senior Israeli minister has said 'very significant targets' will be attacked in Tehran today as the IDF declares it has launched new airstrikes on Iranian missile launchers
Defence minister Israel Katz also issued a specific threat to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that he could face 'a fate similar to Saddam Hussein'
Iran has also launched attacks in central Israel as the new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) insisted 'advance missiles' have yet to be used and that the country is ready for a 'long-term war'
Donald Trump said he wants a 'real end' to Iran's nuclear programme as he cut short his visit to the G7 summit in Canada
Speaking on Air Force One, the US President also contradicted his national intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard by declaring Iran was 'very close' to having a nuclear weapon despite previous assessments to the contrary
US Vice-President JD Vance said Trump may 'ultimately' decide to take further action in Iran after warning country it cannot have uranium enrichment or nuclear weapon
It also emerged more than 40 extra jets have been sent to the UK and Europe by Donald Trump in recent days fuelling speculation of a possible strike
The UN's nuclear watchdog has said it has seen 'direct impacts' on the underground section of Iran's Natanz nuclear facility as Israel claim it is 'on the verge' of destroying 'more than 10 nuclear targets'
Meanwhile Iranian officials have been banned from using their mobile phones and other devices amid fears they are being tracked or hacked by Israeli intelligence
Stick with us throughout the afternoon as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
08:05
Explosions seen over Tel Aviv
08:00
Pictured: Fire at car lot in central Israel
An Iranian missile or shrapnel appears to have fallen in a parking lot in central Israel, according to reports.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the incident set 20 cars ablaze, and fire crews are trying to put out the fire.
Images shared on social media claim to show the vehicles on fire.
UNCLEARED GRABS: Iranian ballistic missiles seen over Tel Aviv, Israel
UNCLEARED GRABS: Iranian ballistic missiles seen over Tel Aviv, Israel
07:40
Khamenei: ‘We will show the Zionists no mercy’
Despite Trump’s threats, the Iranian supreme leader reiterates that Iran will harshly retaliate against Israel’s attacks.
'We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime,' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote in English on X.
'We will show the Zionists no mercy.'
07:33
Pictured: Iranian missile base before and after Israeli strikes
A tunnel opening at an Iranian missile base near Tabriz before and after Israeli strikes
Buildings at an Iranian missile base near Tabriz before and after Israeli strikes
07:22
Israel’s ambassador to Washington says Ayatollah Khamenei is ‘many stories underground’
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 10: Israel's Ambassador to the United States Michael Leiter speaks during a memorial vigil hosted by U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) outside of the U.S. Capitol on June 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. The vigil was held for two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, who were shot and killed as they left the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum on May 21. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
By Geoff Earle, Deputy U.S. Political Editor
Isreal’s ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter spoke to the circumstances of Ayatollah Khamenei, hours after Trump called him an 'easy target' but said the US was not going to 'take him out' or kill him.
On Friday he ‘looks over his left shoulder for his nuclear scientists and found none,’ he said of Iran's supreme leader. 'Then he looked over his right shoulder for his generals on the IRGC … he didn’t see any of them either,' he told CNN hours after President Trump met with his security team.
He said Khamenei was 'kind of alone right now.'
‘He appointed a new chief of staff, he lasted about four days. So the Ayatollah may be many stories underground right now in hiding,’ he said. ‘That’s where he belongs.’
07:21
Israel striking Tehran, IDF says
The IDF has said the IAF is currently conducting a series of strikes in the area of Tehran.
07:20
Pictured: Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel
Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 17, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on June 17, the fifth day of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 17, 2025
Missiles launched from Iran are intercepted as seen from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, June 18, 2025. REUTERS/Gal Twig TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Missiles launched from Iran are intercepted as seen from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, June 18
Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 17, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on June 17, the fifth day of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 17, 2025
A missile launched from Iran towards Israel is seen from Ramallah, Israeli-occupied West Bank, June 18, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
A missile launched from Iran towards Israel is seen from Ramallah, Israeli-occupied West Bank, June 18, 2025
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - JUNE 18: Israel's 'Iron Dome' air defense system responds to incoming Iranian ballistic missiles as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel on June 18, 2025. (Photo by Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Israel's 'Iron Dome' air defense system responds to incoming Iranian ballistic missiles as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel on June 18
07:10
Israeli outlets report fire at car lot in central Israel
An Iranian missile or shrapnel appears to have fallen in a parking lot in central Israel.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the incident set 20 cars ablaze, and fire crews are trying to put out the fire.
07:01
US to shut embassy in Jerusalem
The US embassy in Jerusalem will be shut from Wednesday until at least Friday due to the security situation in the region, the State Department said.
'Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the US Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) through Friday (June 20),' the State Department said on X.
'This includes the consular sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.'
06:57
Breaking:Israeli military issues evacuation order for Tehran district
The Israeli military says people should leave an industrial area of the Iranian capital known as District 18, near Mehrabad Airport.
'In the coming hours, the [Israeli] military will operate in the area as it has in the past days in areas of Tehran to attack military infrastructure belonging to the regime,' an Israeli army spokesperson said.
06:56
WhatsApp responds after Iran asks people to delete it from their devices
Iranian state television on Tuesday afternoon urged the country's public to remove the messaging platform WhatsApp from their smartphones, alleging the app - without offering specific evidence - gathered user information to send to Israel.
In a statement, WhatsApp said it was 'concerned these false reports will be an excuse for our services to be blocked at a time when people need them the most.'
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning a service provider in the middle can't read a message.
'We do not track your precise location, we don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging and we do not track the personal messages people are sending one another,' it added. 'We do not provide bulk information to any government.'
06:48
Pictured: Missiles launched from Iran are intercepted as seen from Ashkelo
Missiles launched from Iran are intercepted as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, June 18, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
06:27
Explosions reported in Tehran and Karaj
Explosions have just been heard in Tehran and in the nearby city of Karaj, west of the Iranian capital, according to Iranian news websites cited by Reuters.
06:20
IDF says it's safe to leave bomb shelters after latest Iranian attack
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) says that the latest barrage of Iranian missiles appears to be over, and residents can leave bomb shelters.
06:13
Breaking:‘The battle begins,’ says Iran’s supreme leader
In his first statement since Trump’s threat to assassinate him, Ali Khamenei writes on X: 'In the name of the noble Haidar, the battle begins.'
Haidar is an alternative name for Imam Ali, the fourth Muslim caliph and a revered figure in Shia Islam.
The war has been raging since Friday morning, so it is not clear what the Iranian leader means with his comment, and whether it signals the start of more intense Iranian attacks.
06:05
Trump and Netanyahu spoke on the phone, Israeli source says
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone ahead of Trump’s Situation Room meeting, according to an Israeli source familiar with the matter.
06:01
People take shelter for the night in tents at an underground parking lot in central Tel Aviv
People take shelter for the night in tents at an underground parking lot in central Tel Aviv on June 17, 2025 amidst fears of an Iranian missile attack. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)
People take shelter in an underground metro station as a precaution against possible Iran missile attacks, in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
People take shelter in an underground metro station as a precaution against possible Iran missile attacks, in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
05:59
The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept Iranian missiles over Tel Aviv
Footage shows the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system firing into the sky to intercept Iranian missiles over Tel Aviv at just after 1am local time (23.04 BST).
The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Israeli air defence systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv early on June 18, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on June 17, the fifth day of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli air defence systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv early on June 18, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on June 17, the fifth day of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)
epa12182316 Israeli anti missile defence try to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles over the sky of Tel Aviv , Israel, 17 June 2025. Israel and Iran have been exchanging fire since Israel attacked Iran on 13 June 2025 as part of operation 'Rising Lion'. EPA/ABIR SULTAN
The Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
05:58
Explosions above Tel Aviv
Moments ago, explosions could be seen above Tel Aviv, Israel.
Israel's Iron Dome rockets shot into the sky to intercept missiles fired from Iran.
05:57
Iranian state TV warns of 'a surprise tonight that the world will remember'
Iranian state TV has warned of 'a surprise tonight that the world will remember for centuries.'
It comes as Israel and Iran have both launched fresh strikes against each other as the fifth day of conflict between the arch foes rages on.
05:46
IDF: Sirens sounding across Israel
A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel, according to the IDF.
The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.
The IAF is reportedly operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat.
The military added it is essential for the public to continue following the instructions of the Home Front Command.
04:59
Iran says it's attacking Israeli air bases
Iran's Revolutionary Guards says it is attacking Israeli air bases used to strike Iranian territory, according to the Quds News Network.
'These strikes will continue in a sequential, complex, multi-layered and gradual manner,' it says.
04:58
Iran arrests 'terrorist team' linked to Israel
Iranian security forces on Tuesday arrested a 'terrorist team' linked to Israel with explosives in a town southwest of the capital Tehran, Iranian state media reported.
Donald Trump declared he wants a 'complete give-up' by Iran and a 'real end' to its nuclear program, which he suggested would not be achieved through a ceasefire deal.
