‘Iran Won’t Surrender’: Khamenei Says Israel Made ‘Grave Mistake’, Warns US
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday declared that his country “will not surrender” and warned Israel of “dire consequences” for its ongoing military assault, which has now entered a sixth day. In a defiant televised address to the nation, he also cautioned the United States that any direct military intervention would have “serious irreparable consequences.”
The fiery speech came as the conflict continued to escalate, with Israeli airstrikes again targeting Iran’s capital, Tehran, and Iran launching fresh missile attacks on Tel Aviv. The death toll in Iran from the strikes has now reportedly risen to over 585 people.
“The Zionist regime made a big mistake and will be punished for its actions. Our people will not spare the blood of their martyrs and will not stop violating their country’s airspace,” Khamenei asserted in his first national address since the war began.
His warning to the US was a direct response to recent statements from President Donald Trump, who has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and issued veiled threats against the Iranian leadership. “The Americans should know that the Iranian nation will not surrender and that any military intervention by them will undoubtedly cause irreparable damage,” Khamenei said.
The war of words has intensified in parallel with the military action. On Tuesday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the US has “total control over the skies of Tehran” and knows the whereabouts of Khamenei. “We are not going to take him out (kill!) — at least not for now,” Trump wrote, before adding, “Our patience is wearing thin,” followed by a post demanding “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”.
Khamenei appeared to respond directly, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.”
The conflict showed no signs of abating on Wednesday. Explosions were heard in Tehran, with reports of intense Israeli strikes near Mehrabad airport. In retaliation, Iran claimed to have launched missile attacks targeting several parts of Tel Aviv. The escalating violence has prompted international alarm, with countries like China and Russia evacuating diplomatic families and citizens from the region
