Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected U.S. demands for surrender amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, warning that any American military intervention would result in “irreparable damage” to the United States.
In his second public appearance since Israel began launching strikes six days ago, Khamenei said, “Wise individuals who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation with the language of threats, because the Iranian nation is not one to surrender.” His comments were delivered in a low-resolution video showing only a beige curtain backdrop, the Iranian flag, and a portrait of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Islamic Republic’s founding leader.
Khamenei’s statement came a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a demand for “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” on social media, further escalating tensions. In the same post, Trump claimed the U.S. knew Khamenei’s whereabouts but had no plans to kill him — “at least not for now.”
Khamenei dismissed the remarks as “threatening and absurd,” accusing the United States of misreading Iran’s resolve. “Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them,” he said.
The Iranian government released a written statement ahead of the video broadcast, mirroring past practices possibly intended for security reasons. The precise location of the Supreme Leader remains undisclosed.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned that any American involvement would trigger an “all-out war.” While he provided no details, the warning comes as thousands of US troops remain stationed in nearby countries within range of Iranian missiles. Washington has repeatedly warned of a large-scale military response if attacked.
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official reaffirmed the country’s intention to continue enriching uranium for what it claims are peaceful purposes, appearing to reject Trump’s demand that Iran abandon its nuclear program.
In Israel, authorities have reportedly eased some civil restrictions, suggesting that the missile threat from Iran may be receding, at least temporarily. ( With inputs from AP)