Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has rejected U.S. demands for surrender amid intensified Israeli airstrikes and warned that any American military intervention would bring serious consequences. His remarks came in a recorded video aired on state television Wednesday, marking his second public statement since hostilities began.
Khamenei criticised recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” on social media. In response, Khamenei stated, “Those familiar with Iran’s history understand that this nation does not yield to threats. Any U.S. involvement will lead to damage they cannot undo.”
The message came as tensions in the region escalated further. Trump, while initially distancing himself from Israel’s surprise offensive, has since signaled increased U.S. involvement and deployed additional military assets to the region. The Iranian leader’s location remains undisclosed for security reasons, with only a simple backdrop and portraits seen in the broadcast.
Iranian Officials Warn of Wider Conflict
Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that any U.S. military involvement could escalate into a full-scale war. Thousands of U.S. troops stationed in nearby countries are now potentially within range of Iranian weapons, adding to concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Despite growing pressure, Iranian officials affirmed their commitment to enriching uranium for peaceful purposes. This stance directly opposes American demands for the suspension of its nuclear program, even as Israeli strikes targeted nuclear-related facilities.
Both Iran and Israel Sustain Heavy Losses as Strikes Continue
As the conflict escalates, both Iran and Israel continue to launch strikes against each other’s military and strategic facilities. The Israeli military reported targeting sites linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, including a centrifuge manufacturing center and a missile component facility. Meanwhile, Iran has carried out retaliatory missile and drone attacks, some of which have caused significant damage in Israeli cities.
According to a U.S.-based Iranian human rights organisation, over 580 people in Iran — including nearly 240 civilians — have been killed, with more than 1,300 injured. On the Israeli side, at least 24 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds wounded due to Iranian missile strikes. Civilian areas in both countries have suffered casualties and infrastructure damage, with daily life heavily disrupted as residents seek safety.
Global Fallout and Ongoing Tensions
Israel has justified its campaign as a necessary step to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, claiming diplomatic efforts have stalled. While U.S. intelligence maintains that Iran is not currently pursuing nuclear arms, concerns persist due to Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium to near-weapons-grade levels.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador in Geneva affirmed that nuclear research would continue, dismissing any setbacks caused by Israeli attacks.
Air Travel Resumes in Israel
As Israel begins to ease wartime restrictions, its main airport in Tel Aviv has reopened. Commercial flights resumed for the first time since the initial missile strikes, with two repatriation flights from Cyprus landing on Wednesday. Air travel had been suspended due to security concerns, leaving many Israelis stranded abroad.
The conflict remains highly volatile, with both nations suffering significant casualties and destruction, and international observers warning of the risk of a broader regional war if diplomacy fails.
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