Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a stern warning to the United States, declaring that the Islamic Republic will never yield to pressure or demands from U.S. President Donald Trump, especially in the wake of growing tensions between Iran and Israel.
In a televised speech on Wednesday, Khamenei denounced Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as “unacceptable,” insisting that the Iranian nation will not bow to foreign pressure.
“This nation will never surrender,” Khamenei said, adding that any U.S. intervention would bring “irreparable damage.”
The warning comes as the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies. Israel launched a heavy aerial assault last Friday, targeting sites in and around Tehran. According to the Israeli military, more than 50 fighter jets struck multiple weapons production facilities, including key centrifuge manufacturing sites vital to Iran’s nuclear programme.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that two buildings involved in centrifuge production in Karaj were destroyed, and another facility in Tehran producing advanced centrifuge rotors was also hit.
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles toward Tel Aviv and deployed swarms of drones aimed at Israeli territory. Although no missile hit Tel Aviv, Israel’s air defence systems were activated, successfully intercepting 10 incoming drones. Israel also confirmed one of its own drones was shot down over Iranian airspace.
The escalating crisis has drawn international concern. During the G7 summit in Canada, leaders urged restraint but reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defence. Trump later released a statement suggesting the U.S. could target Khamenei directly.
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding… We are not going to take him out, at least not for now,” Trump posted.
He has since met with the U.S. National Security Council to deliberate on potential intervention options, though no formal decision has been announced.
As global powers watch with alarm, the region teeters on the edge of a broader confrontation, with the possibility of U.S. military involvement adding a dangerous dimension to the unfolding conflict.
