EconoTicker

Washington—In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and asserted he knows “exactly where” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is located. He nonetheless assured that the United States has no intention of eliminating him “at least not for now,” underscoring the administration’s escalatory rhetoric amid soaring Middle East tensions.

Washington—The New York Times, citing U.S. intelligence officials, reports that Iran has primed missiles to target American bases in the region should the U.S. join Israel’s war. Tehran is also prepared to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz to impede U.S. Navy movements.

Tehran—At dawn on Wednesday, June 17 (27 Khordad), residents across eastern Tehran reported a powerful explosion that lit up the sky. Witnesses in Jajrud, Rudhen, Sorkheh Hesar, Tehranpars and surrounding areas described seeing an intense flash before hearing the blast. Authorities have yet to identify the cause or location of the incident.

In their closing statement at the Canada summit, G7 leaders condemned Iran as the “primary source of instability and terrorism in the region” while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. The communiqué stressed that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and urged Tehran to:

• Honor its commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• Return to negotiations with the United States on the nuclear deal.
• Ensure that any resolution of Iran’s nuclear crisis contributes to broader de-escalation across the Middle East.

Tehran—A huge blast in east Tehran on Tuesday night sent a thick white cloud billowing into the sky. Eyewitnesses and some reports suggest the explosion struck the Khajir missile production base in southeast Tehran—a site that has experienced smaller blasts in prior years. Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed the cause or location of the incident, but its unusually large scale has raised fears of a deliberate attack.

London—The BBC World Service reports that over the past three days, at least 30 US Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling tankers have been repositioned from the United States to American bases in Europe, amid rising speculation of direct US involvement in the Israel–Iran conflict. Seven of these tankers are now stationed across bases in Spain, Scotland, and England, ready to refuel fighters and bombers in flight.

Istanbul—Anadolu Agency reports that Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called on the European Union to enforce an arms embargo on Israel “as long as this war continues,” stressing that the EU is Israel’s largest trading partner and should not sell weapons amid ongoing hostilities (aa.com.tr.) He also demanded the resumption of diplomatic talks on Iran’s nuclear program to de-escalate regional tensions.

Washington—President Trump’s Situation Room meeting with the National Security Council wrapped up after more than an hour. Trump, having decided to commit the United States to war with Iran, is expected to address the nation later tonight. Israeli Channel 12 and CBS News report that U.S. forces could join the conflict as early as this evening.

Washington—Former President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social that “we have total control of Iranian skies,” affirming U.S. air dominance in the region. His post follows recent American and allied operations over Iran’s airspace, underscoring a show of strength even as diplomatic channels remain open.

Tehran—Tasnim News Agency reports Iran has embarked on a fresh barrage of missile and drone attacks against Israel. Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari warned Fars News that an even more intense series of strikes is imminent. Long-range Shahed 107 drones and advanced ballistic missiles have already hit targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa, including a major Mossad facility, as Iran’s military offensive escalates.

Tehran—Press TV reports that the Iranian F-14 fighter jets shown destroyed by an Israeli strike at Mehrabad Airport were in fact dummy targets deliberately placed there. Israel’s Ministry of Defense had earlier released video footage claiming to show the downing of operational aircraft.

Washington—Senator Lindsey Graham declared that regime change in Iran is “imminent,” urging Americans to “pray for our troops in harm’s way.” He also warned that calls to target Jews have become normalized: “You have normalized trying to kill the Jews,” he said.