Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected US calls for surrender, warning that any military involvement by the Americans would cause “irreparable damage” to them. The statement came in a recorded video aired by state TV, marking the second public appearance of Khamenei since the Israeli strikes began.
Khamenei dismissed the US president’s demands for unconditional surrender as “threatening and absurd.” He emphasized that Iran is not one to surrender and warned that any military involvement by the US would have severe consequences. Iranian officials have warned that US intervention could lead to all-out war, with thousands of American troops based in nearby countries within range.
The US has threatened a massive response to any attack and has sent more military aircraft and warships to the region. Trump initially distanced himself from Israel’s surprise attack but later hinted at greater American involvement.
Iran has continued enriching uranium for peaceful purposes, ruling out Trump’s demands that Iran give up its disputed nuclear program. The country has fired hundreds of missiles and drones in retaliatory strikes, killing at least 24 people in Israel and injuring hundreds.
The conflict has resulted in significant damage to Iranian cities, with explosions and air raid sirens frequently forcing Israelis to seek shelter. Meanwhile, Israel welcomes the return of repatriation flights after its international airport shut down due to the conflict.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/irans-supreme-leader-warns-u-s-military-intervention-would-cause-irreparable-damage