'Trump Reveals His Willingness to Intervene'... Will He Strike Iran's Nuclear Facilities Directly?

Trump's Ultimatum: "Iran Must Surrender Unconditionally"

"We Know Where the Supreme Leader Is Hiding"

Khamenei: "No Mercy for Israel"

On the 17th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump pressured Iran to "surrender unconditionally," stating, "I know exactly where Iran's Supreme Leader is hiding."

President Trump mentioned the Iranian Supreme Leader on social media, calling him "an easy target." He added, "At least for now, we won't eliminate (assassinate) him." He also said, "We have achieved complete and total control over the airspace above Iran." The "we" here is interpreted to mean the United States and Israel.

On the same morning, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote on social media, "We must retaliate forcefully against the terrorist Zionist (Israeli) regime. There will be no mercy." Rather than surrendering, Iran has chosen to resist.

U.S. Demands Iran's Surrender

Trump Convenes NSC at White House; Iran's Nuclear Capability Remains Controversial

On the 17th (local time), President Donald Trump sent an ultimatum to Iran, saying, "Our patience has run out," and, "Surrender unconditionally." Having returned to the White House from the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada one day earlier than planned, President Trump convened the National Security Council (NSC) meeting that afternoon for an hour and twenty minutes. It is believed that the discussion included whether the United States would intervene in the Israel-Iran war alongside Israel.

◇ Trump: "I Know Where Khamenei Is Hiding"

According to CNN, after the NSC meeting, sources indicated that "President Trump seems to be leaning toward deploying U.S. forces to strike Iran's nuclear facilities." Earlier, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance had also said, "(President Trump) could decide on additional measures to end Iran's uranium enrichment." The sources added, "Diplomatic solutions are possible if Iran makes a significant concession," but CNN interpreted Trump's sudden tough stance as a sign he is more inclined toward military deployment.

That afternoon, President Trump had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Although the details were not disclosed, it is possible that Netanyahu demanded the complete destruction of Iran's nuclear sites. The U.S. Department of State announced the closure of the embassy in Israel by the 20th and advised U.S. citizens against traveling to Iran, Israel, or Iraq.

◇ U.S. Expands Military Deployment in the Middle East

Since last weekend, the United States has been increasing its military presence in the Middle East. In addition to sending F-35 fighter jets, it has deployed about 30 aerial refueling tankers to major regions in Europe. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, previously in the South China Sea, was also dispatched to the Middle East. Currently, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier is operating in Middle Eastern waters. There is also speculation about the use of bunker-buster bombs capable of striking Iran's Fordow nuclear facilities. Such operations would require B-2 Stealth Bombers, which are stationed at the Diego Garcia U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean.

Although Iran has continued to launch missile counterattacks, its military capabilities are far inferior to Israel's. CNN reported that Iran currently relies mainly on Shahab-3 missiles and guided missiles, with most of its missile launchers already destroyed. Israel also mobilized more than 50 fighter jets to bomb the Tehran area. If the United States joins the conflict, it would become even more difficult for Iran to overcome its disadvantage. The possibility of a regime change in Iran cannot be ruled out.

◇ Debate Surrounding Iran's Nuclear Development

If the United States intervenes, controversies over the legitimacy of the war could intensify. In March, U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard stated at the Senate Intelligence Committee that "Iran is currently not developing nuclear weapons." However, President Trump is considering intervention based on the assumption that Iran is developing nuclear arms. President Trump told reporters, "What (Director Gabbard) said does not matter," and, "I believe Iran will soon have nuclear weapons." Subsequently, Director Gabbard reversed her statement, saying, "My views align with President Trump." For Americans who remember the search for so-called "weapons of mass destruction" that led to the 2003 Iraq War but failed to turn up anything, whether the justification for this war is based on facts is a crucial issue. The Washington Post projected that it may take several months to about a year for Iran to actually produce a weapon.

Trump's core support base, the "Make America Great Again (MAGA)" movement, is largely opposed to war. Currently, many are posting on Trump's social media platform, Truth Social, and on X: "Not my war." Trump, who had previously insisted that intervening in foreign disputes at great expense is contradictory to "America First," is now seen as having reversed his stance abruptly, leaving supporters confused. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna jointly proposed the "War Powers Resolution," stating that U.S. troops should not intervene in conflicts without Congressional approval.

Washington – Sang-Eun Lee, Correspondent selee@hankyung.com