Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has dismissed US demands for surrender amid Israeli strikes, cautioning that any US military intervention would inflict “irreparable damage” upon them. This statement was delivered by a state TV anchor.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s comments, marking his second public appearance since the onset of the strikes, follow US President Donald Trump’s social media post. In the post, Mr. Trump demanded “Unconditional surrender” and warned Mr. Khamenei that while the US is aware of his location, they have no current plans to eliminate him, “at least not for now.”
While President Trump initially distanced himself from the surprise Israeli attack on Friday that initiated the conflict, he has recently suggested increased US involvement, expressing a desire for something “much bigger” than a simple ceasefire.
The United States has also reinforced its presence in the region by deploying additional warplanes.
Previously, an Iranian official cautioned that US intervention would escalate the situation, potentially leading to “all-out war.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not provide further details, but thousands of US troops are stationed in neighboring countries, well within range of Iranian weaponry.
The United States has issued a strong warning, promising a substantial response to any aggression.
Another Iranian official affirmed that Iran would continue its uranium enrichment program for peaceful applications, seemingly rejecting Mr. Trump’s demand for Iran to abandon its controversial nuclear program.
