Trump calls for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as Israel-Iran air strikes rage on

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Tuesday for Iran's unconditional surrender and warned U.S. patience was wearing thin, but said there was no intention to kill Iran's leader "for now," as the Israel-Iran air war entered a sixth day.

Trump's comments, delivered via social media, suggested a more aggressive stance toward Iran as he weighs whether to deepen U.S. involvement, according to a Reuters report. 

A White House official said Trump spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone on Tuesday, confirming a report from Axios.

Trump's sometimes contradictory and cryptic messaging about the conflict between Israel and Iran has deepened the uncertainty surrounding the crisis. His public comments have ranged from military threats to diplomatic overtures, not uncommon for a president known for an often erratic approach to foreign policy.

Trump said on Monday that he might send U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet Iranian officials. 

The U.S. is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes, three U.S.officials told Reuters. The move follows other deployments that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described as defensive in nature. 

The U.S. has so far only taken defensive actions in the current conflict with Iran, including helping to shoot down missiles fired toward Israel.

An Israeli military official said approximately 10 ballistic missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel in the early hours of Wednesday morning and most of them were intercepted.

Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv.

Explosions were also heard in Tehran and the city of Karajto the west of the capital, Iranian news websites reported.

Iran's cybersecurity command banned officials from using communications devices and mobile phones, Fars news agency reported.

Israel launched a "massive cyber war" against Iran's digital infrastructure, Iranian media reported.

Iran has so far fired nearly 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones towards Israel, with about 35 missiles penetrating Israel's defensive shield, Israeli officials say.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they hit Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate and foreign intelligence service Mossad's operational centre early on Tuesday. There was no Israeli confirmation.

Iranian officials have reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed.

Residents of both countries have been evacuated or fled.

Global oil markets are on high alert following strikes on sites including the world's biggest gas field, South Pars, shared by Iran and Qatar.

(With input from Reuters, AFP) 

(Cover: A man takes a cellphone photo as missiles fired from Iran toward Israel fly over Syrian territory in Damascus, Syria, June 18, 2025. /VCG)