President Donald Trump has boasted, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”
In a Tuesday Truth Social post, Trump said that while Iran has good sky trackers and defense equipment, in high quantities, “it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.'”
“Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA,” he added, amid ongoing missile exchanges between Iran and Israel.
The president went on to say that the U.S. knew where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was “hiding” and that he was an “easy target”.
Earlier on Tuesday, an Israeli official declined to comment on Newsweek’s question regarding whether the Israel Defense Forces considered Khamenei to be a viable target.
Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon for further comment via email Tuesday afternoon.
Why It Matters
Trump’s statements follow reports that Israeli forces have crippled Iran’s air defenses, allowing unrestricted aerial operations over Tehran. Military analysts suggest that U.S. technology has played a key role in securing air dominance, though Iran has attempted to counter Israeli and U.S. air operations.
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What To Know
New U.S. forces were deployed to the Middle East as tensions rose in the region, prompting concerns of retaliation from Iran against the U.S. despite the country not being directly involved as yet.
Trump has not ruled out direct military action if Iran does not agree to curbs on its nuclear program and said Monday that he wanted a “real end” to the conflict between the country and Israel.
The European Union has warned that U.S. involvement could drag the wider region into a larger war, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas saying Tuesday that diplomatic solutions were needed.
The U.S. operates at least 19 military bases and sites in the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with between 40,000 and 50,000 personnel stationed there.
So far, Tehran has not appeared to target U.S. troops or facilities, but Trump’s change in tactic Tuesday morning, issuing his post aimed at Khamenei, and the news of U.S. fighter jets headed to the region could put that at risk.
What People Are Saying
Israeli Defense Forces in a statement Tuesday: “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice. Leaving the protected space is only permitted following an explicit directive. Continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.”
President Trump, on Truth Social: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
What’s Next
U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggested Tuesday that Trump may take further action against Iran, with the White House releasing a list of times the president has made it clear he does not believe Iran should have nuclear capabilities.
