Iran ‘Will Never Surrender’: Khamenei Warns US Of ‘Irreparable Damage’ Over Intervention In Israel Conflict
Amid escalating tensions, Iran's Khamenei rejected US demands of surrender after Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with hypersonic missiles and drones.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday asserted that the Islamic Republic would not bow down to US demands, amid heightened regional tensions following an intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. In a strongly worded address aired on state television, Khamenei responded to US President Donald Trump’s calls for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”, calling them “unacceptable” and warning Washington of serious consequences.
Delivering his message six days into the ongoing confrontation, Khamenei said, “This nation will never surrender.” He rebuked Trump’s ultimatum, stating, “America should know that any military intervention will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage”, news agency AFP reported
The Iranian leader, who has held power since 1989 and wields ultimate authority over state affairs, also reiterated Tehran’s stance against Israel, warning the regime’s leadership would be shown “no mercy”.
Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites
Khamenei’s remarks followed a series of overnight airstrikes by Israel, which reportedly targeted key infrastructure linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. According to the Israeli military, over 50 fighter jets participated in the assault, striking several weapons production sites and a centrifuge facility near Tehran, AFP reported.
“As part of the broad effort to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons development programme, a centrifuge production facility in Tehran was targeted,” the Israeli military said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that two buildings involved in producing centrifuge components in Karaj, a satellite city near Tehran, were destroyed. Additionally, the IAEA reported that another facility in Tehran used for manufacturing and testing advanced centrifuge rotors was also hit.
Centrifuges are essential in the process of uranium enrichment, which can be used for civilian energy production or, if further refined, in the creation of nuclear weapons.
Iran Responds with Hypersonic Missiles and Drone Swarm
In retaliation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles towards Tel Aviv. Hypersonic weapons, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound and possess mid-flight manoeuvrability, are known for their evasion capabilities.
Although no missiles struck Tel Aviv, AFP reported Israeli air defence systems intercepted aerial threats above the city. Iran also dispatched a “swarm of drones” towards Israeli territory, with the Israeli military claiming to have intercepted 10 drones launched from Iran. It also confirmed that one of its drones was downed over Iranian airspace.
Trump Claims Khamenei is “Easy Target”
Earlier, US President Donald Trump intensified speculation around American involvement after abruptly leaving the G7 summit in Canada, where member states advocated de-escalation while endorsing Israel’s “right to defend itself”.
Trump on Tuesday took to his Truth Social platform, stating, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
Following the summit, Trump met with his National Security Council for a high-level discussion lasting over an hour. However, there was no official communication post-meeting, and US officials maintained that no decision on military intervention had been finalised.
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