--- description: Trump says he is pushing for a "real end" to the conflict. title: Trump Claims Skies Over Iran Are Under ‘Complete and Total Control’ image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt471dc46ba8246f16/6998c79593610cda1fc2fbaf/trump-g7-tehran-evacuate.jpg?branch=production&width=2400&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [World](/section/world/) ## World Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Iran](/tag/iran/) ## Iran Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # Trump Claims Skies Over Iran Are Under ‘Complete and Total Control’ by [Callum Sutherland](/author/callum-sutherland/) and [Miranda Jeyaretnam](/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/) Updated: Jun 17, 2025 6:01 PM CUTPublished: Jun 16, 2025 5:32 PM CUT  U.S. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Calgary International Airport in Alberta, Canada, on June 16, 2025, after attending the Group of Seven (G7) Summit. U.S. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Calgary International Airport in Alberta, Canada, on June 16, 2025, after attending the Group of Seven (G7) Summit.Brendan Smialowski—AFP/Getty Images by [Callum Sutherland](/author/callum-sutherland/) and [Miranda Jeyaretnam](/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/) Updated: Jun 17, 2025 6:01 PM CUTPublished: Jun 16, 2025 5:32 PM CUT President Donald Trump [asserted Tuesday](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114699514822488706 "undefined") that there is now “complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” though he did not clarify whether he was referring to American or [Israeli military operations](https://time.com/7294919/israel-air-supremacy-tehran-iran/ "undefined"). “Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “But it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’” The remark came as the President called for a “real end” to the conflict between [Israel and Iran](https://time.com/7294609/iran-israel-war-pictures-strike/ "undefined"), now in its fifth day. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States was “looking at better than a cease-fire,” adding, “An end, a real end, not a cease-fire… Or giving up entirely. It’s certainly possible.” **Read More:** [_Lawmakers Seek to Limit Trump From Dragging U.S. Into Israel-Iran War_](https://time.com/7294985/iran-israel-trump-us-war-powers-congress-massie-khanna-kaine/ "undefined") Trump also claimed that the U.S. is aware of the exact location of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following reports of a recent proposal from Israel to assassinate him. "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," [he posted Tuesday](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114699610769479275 "undefined"). "He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" [According to U.S. media citing unnamed officials](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-netanyahu-rejected-israeli-plan-kill-iran-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-sources/ "undefined"), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the option to Trump during a call over the weekend. In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Netanyahu declined to confirm or deny the proposal. “There are so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I’m not going to get into that,” Netanyahu said. “But I can tell you I think we do what we need to do. We will do what we need to do, and I think the United States knows what is good for the United States.” ## Civilian death toll rises Tensions between the two nations have escalated since [Israel’s first attack on Iran](https://time.com/7293795/israel-strikes-iran-attack-what-to-know/ "undefined") on Friday, with the civilian death toll mounting. At least 452 people have been killed in Iran since Israeli strikes began, including [224 civilians](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/israel-iran-battle-escalates-will-be-high-agenda-world-leaders-meet-2025-06-16/ "undefined") and 109 military personnel, according to the [Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).](https://www.en-hrana.org/the-fourth-day-of-israeli-attacks-on-iran-a-review-of-the-incidents/ "undefined") Another 646 have been injured. HRANA is one of the few independent groups tracking casualties inside Iran. Though banned by the government, it is frequently cited by international rights organizations and the U.N. In Israel, officials say 24 people have been killed and more than 647 wounded in Iranian attacks [as of Tuesday](https://www.gov.il/en/pages/operation-rising-lion-update "undefined"). **Read more:** [_Israel Kills Top Iranian General Days After Appointment to War Command_](https://time.com/7293886/iranian-generals-scientists-targets-killed-by-israeli-strikes/ "undefined") ## U.S. and Iran may meet this week, report says U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi may meet this week to discuss a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Iran, news outlet Axios [reported](https://www.axios.com/2025/06/17/trump-witkoff-iran-nuclear-talks-ceasefire "undefined") on Monday night. The meeting is not yet confirmed, but is part of Trump’s effort to deescalate tensions between Israel and Iran while he faces pressure from Israel to [join the war](https://time.com/7294500/israel-attack-iran-us-involvement-trump-netanyahu-khamenei/ "undefined"). A U.S. official told Axios that a key bargaining chip for the U.S. is its military’s ability, unlike Israel’s, to bomb Iran’s underground nuclear enrichment facility at Fordow. Trump said at the G7 summit that his Administration is discussing the possibility of meeting with Iran and reiterated his position that a deal can be made. The aim of the meeting will likely also involve reaching a nuclear deal, which has been the subject of protracted talks between the U.S. and Iran over the last two months. A scheduled round of negotiations over the past weekend was cancelled by Iran after the attack by Israel. “I think a deal will be signed,” Trump [told](https://x.com/SkyNews/status/1934720414988546143 "undefined") reporters at the G7\. “I think Iran is foolish not to sign one.” ## Trump leaves G7 early as U.S. deploys “defensive” forces to Middle East Trump cut short his visit to the G7 summit on Monday amid worsening hostilities in the Middle East. “Much was accomplished \[at the G7\], but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt [announced](https://x.com/PressSec/status/1934755141082861736 "undefined") on X.  Trump speaks to reporters during the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada on June 16, 2025. Suzanne Plunkett—POOL/AFP/Getty Images The decision came shortly after Trump urged “everyone” to evacuate Tehran immediately, while the U.S. [deployed](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/06/16/us-military-israel-iran/ "undefined") more than a dozen aircraft to Europe to place them closer to the Middle East in case of the need to defend U.S. interests. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in a Monday [statement](https://x.com/SecDef/status/1934726498725810271 "undefined") on X that “additional capabilities” have also been deployed to the Middle East. “Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” he said. White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer rebutted the suggestion that the moves indicate that the U.S. has joined the war. “American forces are maintaining their defensive posture, and that has not changed. We will defend American interests,” he [said](https://x.com/Pfeiffer47/status/1934767323333714181 "undefined") on X. “We are vigilant. We are prepared. We have messaged consistently from the beginning that we’re in the region to defend our people and our assets,” Hegseth [said](https://x.com/DODResponse/status/1934773691537047871 "undefined") on Fox News on Monday. Earlier on Monday, Trump urged Iran to pursue immediate talks with Israel to deescalate hostilities, warning that [continued conflict](https://time.com/7294609/iran-israel-war-pictures-strike/ "undefined") could have dire consequences. “Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately before it’s too late,” Trump told reporters at the beginning of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Trump’s meetings with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which were scheduled for Tuesday, were cancelled. “I have to be back, very important,” Trump told reporters. “You probably see what I see, and I have to be back as soon as I can.” Trump [reportedly asked](https://x.com/LawrenceBJones3/status/1934758790882120170 "undefined") the National Security Council to convene at the White House Situation Room ahead of his return. ## Iranian strikes hit Tel Aviv scientific and military research center A research institute in southern Tel Aviv is assessing the damage after an Iranian missile strike hit the facilities on Sunday. Eran Segal, a Professor in the Computer Science Department at The Weizmann Institute of Science, [said that his team](https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-scientists-mourn-loss-destroyed-weizmann-institute "undefined") has been transferring valuable samples from freezers at the institute, trying to preserve what they can amongst the wreckage. Other researchers from The Weizmann Institute of Science shared images of severe damage to the facilities. Professor Eldad Thazor said that his lab has been completely destroyed. “We study heart regeneration and regenerative medicine. As such, we will regenerate, regrow and rebuild. The one thing that hasn't gone is our motivation,” he said [on social media](https://x.com/tzahore/status/1934698948037648674?s=46&t=IV8KMN2S1o4Jt3KkL9I7ag "undefined"). As well as medical research, [the institute has also worked](https://www.weizmann.ac.il/bina/news/weizmann-institute-science-and-elbit-systems-collaboration?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com "undefined") with Elbit systems, an Israeli military manufacturer. Elbit regularly provides military systems to the IDF, including communication equipment provided as part of a [$130M deal](https://www.elbitsystems.com/news/israel-mod-procures-advanced-communication-systems-elbit-systems-approximately-130m "undefined") in December. ## Iranian state TV office hit in Israeli strike Israel attacked the offices of Iranian state TV Monday, interrupting a live IRIB broadcast and sending debris and dust through the studio. “The Iranian regime's propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was attacked by the IDF after a widespread evacuation of residents in the area,” Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed [in a statement](https://x.com/Israel%5Fkatz/status/1934643151655899471 "undefined"). “We will defeat the Iranian dictator everywhere,” he said. Anchor Sahar Emami is seen in video of the interrupted transmission speaking live, saying: “This sound you heard, it is the sound of aggression against the homeland, the sound of aggression against truth and righteousness,” followed by a loud explosion and the screen behind her turning black. Emami then leaves the studio set, as debris and dust fills the studio. Hours before the attack, the IDF issued [an evacuation notice](https://x.com/IDFFarsi/status/1934604000239767898 "undefined") for Tehran’s District 3, where the state television headquarters are located in the [IRIB Organization building](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-strikes-iranian-state-tv-building/3600753 "undefined"). In response to the strike, a senior official at the state broadcaster [has said](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog%5Fentry/iran-state-tv-resumes-broadcasting-after-israeli-strike-vows-not-to-be-silenced/ "undefined"): “The regime \[Israel\] was unaware of the fact that the voice of the Islamic revolution and the great Iran will not be silenced with a military operation.” ## Putin and Erdogan condemn Israeli actions against Iran Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israeli military actions during a phone call on Monday, according to the Kremlin. "Both sides expressed the most serious concern about the ongoing escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, which has already led to a large number of casualties and is fraught with serious long-term consequences for the entire region,” [the Kremlin also said](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/putin-erdogan-condemn-israeli-actions-against-iran-phone-call-kremlin-says-2025-06-16/ "undefined") in a statement. Erdogan also warned that Israel’s June 13 airstrikes have placed the region’s security “at grave risk,” according to [Russian state news agency TASS.](https://tass.com/world/1973793 "undefined") **Read More:** [_Israel Gets the War It Wanted_](https://time.com/7293976/israel-iran-attack-war-hezbollah/ "undefined") ## Nuclear agency warns of radiological and chemical contamination inside Iran’s main nuclear site The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned Monday of potential radiological and chemical contamination at Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz following Israeli airstrikes. Radiation levels outside the site remain normal, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi [told an emergency session in Vienna](https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/statements/iaea-director-generals-introductory-statement-to-the-board-of-governors-16-june-2025 "undefined"). However, he stressed that the agency lacks critical technical information to assess the full extent of the damage. “Amid these challenging and complex circumstances, it is crucial that the IAEA receives timely and regular technical information about the facilities and their respective sites,” Grossi said. Without this access to information, the IAEA “cannot accurately assess the radiological conditions and potential impacts on the population and the environment and cannot provide the necessary assistance,” he said. Electrical facilities at the Natanz plant have been seriously damaged [according to the IAEA](https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/statements/director-general-grossis-statement-to-unsc-on-situation-in-iran-13-june-2025 "undefined"), including the main power supply building and back up generators which have been destroyed. The agency has also reported that strikes appear to have only impacted facilities above ground, but have not been able to verify any damage to underground areas of the plant. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/7294722/iran-israel-war-trump-strike/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/7294722/iran-israel-war-trump-strike/"},"headline":"Trump Claims Skies Over Iran Are Under ‘Complete and Total Control’","datePublished":"2025-06-16T17:32:26.000Z","dateModified":"2025-06-17T18:01:56.000Z","description":"Trump says he is pushing for a \"real end\" to the conflict.","url":"https://time.com/7294722/iran-israel-war-trump-strike/","keywords":["Iran"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt471dc46ba8246f16/6998c79593610cda1fc2fbaf/trump-g7-tehran-evacuate.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Callum Sutherland","jobTitle":"Reporter","url":"https://time.com/author/callum-sutherland/"},{"@type":"Person","name":"Miranda Jeyaretnam","jobTitle":"Reporter","url":"https://time.com/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt471dc46ba8246f16/6998c79593610cda1fc2fbaf/trump-g7-tehran-evacuate.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"CANADA-G7-SUMMIT-DIPLOMACY","caption":"CANADA-G7-SUMMIT-DIPLOMACY","creditText":"Brendan Smialowski—AFP/Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/iran/","name":"Iran"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/7294722/iran-israel-war-trump-strike/","name":"Trump Claims Skies Over Iran Are Under ‘Complete and Total Control’"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Israel Strike Cuts Off Iran's State TV During Live Broadcast as Studio Fills With Dust","description":"The U.S. has repeatedly denied involvement in Israel’s initial attack against Iran—a position that Iran has disputed as missiles continue to fly between the two countries and the risk of further escalation looms should the world’s biggest military be pulled into the fight, which has already killed hundreds and wounded more than a thousand since Friday in Iran and killed 19 and injured hundreds in Israel, as of Monday morning.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/YQvKcMga/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2025-06-16T17:01:50.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/YQvKcMga.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/7294722/iran-israel-war-trump-strike/","duration":"PT29S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/7294722/iran-israel-war-trump-strike/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```