Iran’s Supreme Leader Rejects U.S. Surrender Demands as Israeli Airstrikes Intensify in Tel Aviv and Tehran
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for “unconditional surrender” on Wednesday, warning that any American military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict would cause “irreparable damage.” His remarks were broadcast in a pre-recorded video on Iranian state TV as tensions in the Middle East escalate rapidly.
Khamenei’s statement comes in response to Israel’s ongoing airstrikes, including a Wednesday morning barrage intercepted over Tel Aviv by the Iron Dome defense system, and growing U.S. military activity in the region.
Khamenei: “Iran Will Never Surrender” Amid Threats from Trump
In a stern warning aimed at the White House, Khamenei called President Trump’s remarks “threatening and absurd,” insisting that the Iranian people will not back down.
“Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them,” Khamenei said.
His message follows Trump’s social media post demanding Iran’s unconditional surrender and warning the U.S. knows his location but has no current plan to assassinate him.
Israel Strikes Nuclear and Military Sites in Iran
The Israeli military has intensified its offensive, claiming it targeted uranium centrifuge production facilities, missile storage depots, and a loaded missile launcher in western Iran. Israeli officials also stated they intercepted 10 missiles overnight, while the U.N. nuclear watchdog confirmed strikes near Tehran on two key centrifuge development sites.
According to Iranian sources, the strikes have killed at least 585 people, including 239 civilians, and wounded over 1,300 others.
Iran Retaliates With Hundreds of Missiles and Drones
Iran has fired more than 400 missiles and hundreds of drones into Israel in retaliation, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. At least 24 Israelis have been killed, and many more injured as apartment buildings in central cities have been hit, forcing repeated evacuations.
Iran’s missile attacks have slowed, possibly due to Israeli efforts targeting missile launchers and infrastructure. Still, Iranian officials vowed continued resistance and pledged to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, defying U.S. and Israeli demands to dismantle its nuclear program.
Iran Vows to Continue Nuclear Program Despite Attacks
Iran’s ambassador to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to uranium enrichment, stating:
“We will continue to produce enriched uranium as far as we need for peaceful purposes.”
Despite Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities, Bahreini dismissed the impact, saying Iranian scientists will continue their research uninterrupted.
The U.S. has accused Iran of moving closer to weapons-grade enrichment levels, though Tehran maintains its program is peaceful. Intelligence reports indicate Iran is not currently developing a nuclear bomb.
Mass Casualties, Economic Strain, and Panic in Tehran
Tehran has been rocked by explosions, including a major blast near the Hakimiyeh district, home to a Revolutionary Guard academy. Citizens are fleeing the capital, gas stations are overwhelmed, and the famed Grand Bazaar remains shuttered. Iran has stopped releasing regular casualty figures, but credible human rights sources report significant civilian deaths.
U.S. Military Reinforcements Raise Global Concerns
The U.S. has deployed additional warships and fighter jets to the region amid fears of deeper involvement. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman warned that any American military intervention could ignite an “all-out war.”
Meanwhile, Trump continues to suggest broader plans beyond a ceasefire, further escalating fears of a larger regional conflict.
Israel Reopens Airspace After Missile Barrage
After closing its airspace due to ballistic missile threats, Israel resumed limited international flights. Two planes from Cyprus landed in Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, marking the first civilian arrivals since the airport shut down.
