Egypt Daily News – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stark warning to the United States, declaring that any military intervention in Iran’s conflict with Israel would lead to “irreparable damage.” His remarks were broadcast in a televised address Wednesday, marking his first direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Khamenei’s Defiance
“The Iranian nation stands firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace,” Khamenei said. “This nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition. The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.”
The Supreme Leader went further, directly addressing President Trump’s threats: “With his absurd rhetoric, he demands that the Iranian people surrender. The Iranian nation isn’t frightened by such threats. They should make threats against those who are afraid of being threatened.”
Khamenei also suggested growing suspicion that the U.S. is directly aiding Israel in its recent attacks. “It was already suspected that the U.S. was involved in the malicious move carried out by the Zionist regime, but considering their recent remarks, this suspicion is growing stronger day by day.”
Trump’s Position: Open Threats, Strategic Ambiguity
President Trump has remained characteristically blunt and confrontational in his messaging. In a series of posts on Truth Social prior to a high-level Situation Room meeting, Trump claimed the U.S. has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and warned Khamenei directly, stating: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding… We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said: “You don’t know that I’m going to even do it. I may do it, I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do.” He added that Iran was facing “a lot of trouble” and reiterated that he believes Tehran wants to negotiate.
Despite the heated rhetoric, Trump left the door open to diplomacy, saying, “It is never too late” for a peaceful solution, though his administration continues to evaluate possible military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
War Intensifies Between Israel and Iran
The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its most volatile phase in years. After launching “Operation Rising Lion,” Israel has struck deep into Iranian territory, including military and residential targets. Over 200 people have been killed, and more than 1,200 wounded in Iran. In retaliation, Tehran unleashed “Operation True Promise III,” launching missile strikes that shut down strategic infrastructure in central Israel, including the Haifa oil refinery and a local power plant. At least 24 Israelis have died, with hundreds more injured.
Iran’s state TV also broadcast footage of a downed Israeli Hermes drone in Isfahan province. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed airstrikes had destroyed Iran’s “internal security headquarters” in Tehran.
In a dramatic turn, Iran accused Israel of targeting a humanitarian facility operated by the Iranian Red Crescent Society in Tehran.
Israel has also restricted live TV broadcasts of incoming Iranian missile attacks, limiting public visibility into the ongoing damage.
Civilians and Diplomats Evacuate
As the conflict escalates, civilian evacuations are underway. Trump echoed Israeli calls for over 300,000 residents to leave central Tehran. Shops have shuttered, and traffic jams clogged westbound roads out of the capital.
International governments are also taking precautionary steps. The UK Foreign Office confirmed the withdrawal of family members of its diplomatic staff in Israel. Germany and France have urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, emphasizing that it is “never too late” for diplomacy if Tehran comes with “honest intentions.”
Regional and Global Response
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan voiced support for Iran’s right to defend itself. “It is a very natural, legitimate, and legal right for Iran to defend itself against Israel’s thuggery and state terrorism,” Erdoğan said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has positioned himself as a potential mediator, speaking with leaders in Iran, Israel, and the UAE. The Kremlin warned of “extremely negative consequences” for the region if the conflict continues unchecked.
The Stakes for Trump
U.S. policy experts warn that Trump is at a critical decision point. “Leaders always have a choice in these moments,” said Ellie Geranmayeh of the European Council on Foreign Relations. “If Trump decides to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities, it will be viewed by Tehran as a declaration of war.” She noted that a U.S.-Iran conflict would likely dominate the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
Final Words
When asked directly about Khamenei’s vow never to surrender, Trump replied tersely: “Good luck.” On his daily conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump added: “I told him: ‘Go on.’ He’s a good guy, he does a lot of work.”
As the U.S. inches closer to direct military involvement, the world watches anxiously. With diplomacy still technically on the table, the window for a peaceful resolution appears to be narrowing by the hour.
