Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a televised message, said Iran would stand firm against an ‘imposed war’ and rejected Trump’s call for unconditional surrender.
In a defiant televised statement on Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran would not capitulate, vowing that any American military action would bring “irreparable damage.” His remarks came just a day after Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” amid its escalating conflict with Israel.
“Those familiar with Iran, its people, and its history know better than to use the language of threats,” Khamenei said. “The Iranian nation will not surrender. Any U.S. military intervention will unquestionably inflict irreversible consequences.”
‘Iran Will Not Yield to Imposed Peace or War’
Referring to the growing conflict with Israel, which he labeled a “terrorist Zionist regime,” Khamenei declared that Tehran would resist any form of externally imposed outcome — whether peace or war.
“The Iranian people will stand firm in the face of an imposed war, just as they will stand firm in the face of an imposed peace,” he said. “We do not bow to imposition.”
Despite the loss of key military and security figures in recent Israeli airstrikes, Khamenei’s rhetoric remained combative. Reports suggest he is currently sheltering in a secure bunker.
On social media, he doubled down on his stance, tweeting:
“The U.S. President threatens us with nonsense and demands that the Iranian people surrender. They should direct their threats at those who fear them — the Iranian nation does not.”
Trump: ‘We Know Where He’s Hiding’
Although the U.S. has not yet directly joined Israel’s military offensive — codenamed Rising Lion, aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities — Trump hinted that American involvement may not be far off.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “We know exactly where Khamenei is hiding. He’s an easy target. But we’re not taking him out — at least, not for now.”
Trump’s remarks followed his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada, which sparked speculation about a potential shift in U.S. engagement in the Iran-Israel conflict.
War in Sixth Day, Casualties Mount
As the war enters its sixth day, missile exchanges between Israel and Iran have intensified, leaving over 600 dead. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, 585 Iranians have been killed so far.
Earlier Wednesday, Iran launched its first hypersonic missile in the conflict, the Fattah-1, targeting Israeli territory. Loud explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, and Israel claimed 24 deaths and over 1,300 injuries from Iranian strikes. Israeli retaliatory attacks focused heavily on targets in and around Tehran.
Tensions continue to rise in the Middle East as both sides show little sign of de-escalation, while the global community watches with growing concern.
