As reported by Breitbart, President Donald Trump delivered a terse message to Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the supreme leader declared Iran would not surrender.
"I say good luck," Trump remarked Wednesday while overseeing the installation of two nearly 100-foot-tall flag poles at the White House grounds.
The president's brief response comes amid escalating tensions following Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The dismissive comment follows Trump's Tuesday statement claiming "complete and total control" of Iranian airspace and knowledge of Khamenei's hiding location.
Mounting Tensions After Missed Deadline
Iran failed to meet its 60-day deadline to reach a deal with the United States regarding its nuclear program, which expired last Thursday. This diplomatic failure triggered Israel's initial wave of strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, military leaders, and refineries on Friday.
Trump has maintained for over a decade that Iran acquiring nuclear weapons is unacceptable. During his return flight from the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada, he told reporters that Iran was "very close" to obtaining such weapons.
When questioned about potential American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump refused to provide a direct answer, instead mocking the reporter's inquiry.
"You don't seriously think I'm going to answer that question? 'Will you strike the Iranian nuclear component, and what time exactly, Sir? Sir, would you strike it? Would you please inform us so we can be there and watch?'" the president said sarcastically.
Strategic Ambiguity Maintains Pressure
Trump deliberately maintained ambiguity about his military intentions toward Iran, keeping both allies and adversaries guessing about America's next move in the conflict.
"I mean, you don't know that I'm going to do it. You don't know. I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," Trump stated, highlighting his unpredictable approach to the crisis.
Despite the heightened tensions, Trump indicated that Iran desires negotiations and that he remains open to diplomatic talks. When asked if diplomatic opportunities had passed, the president emphasized, "Nothing's too late."
Israel's Defensive Operations Continue
Israeli defense systems have been actively countering Iranian missile threats since the conflict intensified. The Iron Dome air defense system has intercepted missiles over Tel Aviv as part of Israel's multi-layered approach to protecting civilian areas.
Meanwhile, Trump has shared provocative details about American intelligence capabilities regarding Iranian leadership. On his Truth Social platform, he claimed the United States knows Khamenei's location, describing him as "an easy target" but indicating no immediate plans to target the supreme leader personally.
The president's statements come as Israel continues its military campaign against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, which began after Iran missed the negotiation deadline.
Middle East Crisis Reaches Critical Phase
The current confrontation represents one of the most dangerous escalations between Iran and the Western-allied powers in recent years. Trump's return from the G7 Summit was hastened by the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
While maintaining pressure on Iran through his rhetoric and support for Israeli operations, Trump has simultaneously kept the door open for a diplomatic resolution. His administration has indicated that negotiations remain possible despite the ongoing military actions.
