Fact Check: Trump threatens Khamenei, claiming he knows his hiding location.

Fact Check: Trump Threatens Khamenei, Claiming He Knows His Hiding Location

What We Know

On June 17, 2025, President Donald Trump made a series of statements regarding Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. In a social media post, Trump asserted, "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" (NPR). This statement was part of a broader context in which Trump was urging Iran to surrender unconditionally and expressing frustration with their nuclear ambitions (PBS).

Trump's comments came shortly after he cut short his participation in the G7 summit to address the situation in the Middle East, indicating the seriousness with which he viewed the conflict (NPR). He also claimed that the U.S. had "complete and total control of the skies over Iran," which he suggested could facilitate military actions if necessary (PBS).

Analysis

The claim that Trump threatened Khamenei and indicated knowledge of his hiding location is substantiated by multiple reliable news sources. The statements were reported by major outlets including NPR, PBS, and the Associated Press, all of which provided similar accounts of Trump's comments (NPR, PBS, AP).

The context of Trump's statements is critical. They were made during a period of heightened tensions following Israeli military actions against Iranian targets, and Trump's rhetoric reflects a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the conflict. His remarks about knowing Khamenei's location and not planning to kill him "for now" suggest a strategic posture rather than an immediate military threat, which could be interpreted as a tactical warning to Iran (NPR, AP).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this claim is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that Trump's statements often carry a degree of hyperbole, and his administration has a history of using strong rhetoric in foreign policy matters. Therefore, while the claim is factually accurate, the implications of such statements should be viewed with caution, considering the potential for political posturing (PBS).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump threatened Khamenei, asserting knowledge of his hiding location, is True. Trump's statements were clearly documented and reported by multiple credible sources, confirming the accuracy of the claim. The context of his remarks indicates a strategic approach to the ongoing conflict, although the potential for escalation remains a concern.