TEHRAN – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s demand for “unconditional surrender,” warning that any U.S. military intervention would bring “irreparable damage.” His remarks come amid intensified fighting between Iran and Israel that has already entered its sixth day.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his stance clear in a televised address on Wednesday, in which he said, “This nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition.” He added that “the Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable consequences.”
It isn’t wise to tell the Iranian nation to surrender.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 18, 2025
What should the Iranian nation surrender to? We will never surrender in response to the attacks of anyone. This is the logic of the Iranian nation. This is the spirit of the Iranian nation.
The speech followed a night of heavy Israeli airstrikes in Tehran and other areas, targeting Iran’s internal security offices and nuclear-related infrastructure. According to the Israeli military, over 50 fighter jets hit around 20 sites linked to Iran’s missile and nuclear development.
Khamenei, 86, appeared for the first time since Friday, using the opportunity to push back against recent U.S. threats. “Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender,” he said.
President Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House, suggested that military action was still under consideration. “Nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he said, adding that Iran’s response had come “very late.”
The situation escalated further after Iran launched missile barrages and drone swarms targeting Israel. Iranian media reported that hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles were fired at Tel Aviv. Israel’s defense system intercepted several of them, although some reached residential areas.
On social media, Trump had warned, “We know exactly where the ‘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.”
In his full address to the nation, Khamenei praised the Iranian people’s resilience and their response to the conflict. Referring to recent rallies and Friday prayers, he said, “The Iranian nation has shown that it’s dignified, courageous, and is able to correctly assess the situation.”
He also responded directly to Trump’s rhetoric: “Not only does he make threats, but he also uses absurd, unacceptable rhetoric to openly demand that the Iranian people surrender to him… It isn’t wise to tell the Iranian nation to surrender. Wise people who know Iran, the Iranian people, and Iran’s history would never utter such words.”
The US President threatens us. With his absurd rhetoric, he demands that the Iranian people surrender to him.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 18, 2025
They should make threats against those who are afraid of being threatened. The Iranian nation isn’t frightened by such threats.
The Israeli airstrikes, reportedly targeting centrifuge production sites in Karaj and the Khojir missile facility near Tehran, were confirmed by the UN nuclear watchdog, which stated that there had been “direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration remains undecided on whether to intervene directly in the conflict, despite pressure from allies and rising speculation. Trump had abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada, where leaders called for de-escalation while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
Iranian officials stated that at least 224 people have died since the start of Israeli strikes, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Israel has reported 24 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
In a message to the nation, Khamenei declared: “The Iranian nation isn’t frightened by such threats. ‘Do not weaken or grieve: you shall have the upper hand, if you are faithful’ (Quran 3:139). The Iranian nation believes in this.”
As both sides continue to trade missile strikes, the possibility of a broader regional war looms large, especially if the U.S. decides to engage militarily. The crisis has also derailed ongoing nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington.