Supreme Leader warns US intervention would lead to ‘all-out war’ with ‘irreparable damage’ as conflict enters seventh day
Iran’s Supreme Leader has defiantly rejected Donald Trump’s demand for “unconditional surrender,” warning that any US military intervention would trigger an “all-out war” with catastrophic consequences.
In a dramatic national address on Wednesday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Trump’s ultimatum as “ridiculous” and declared that Iran “is not a nation to surrender” – setting the stage for a dangerous escalation in the six-day-old conflict.
The extraordinary rebuke came after Trump claimed to know the Supreme Leader’s exact location and warned America’s “patience is wearing thin.”
‘IRANIANS DON’T SURRENDER’
Speaking in his second public address since Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Khamenei delivered a fierce warning to Washington.
Let the Americans know that the Iranian nation is not one to surrender, and any military intervention on their part will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage,” the Supreme Leader declared.
He added pointedly: “Those who are wise and familiar with Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation in the language of threats.
TRUMP’S ESCALATING THREATS
The Iranian leader’s defiance follows Trump’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric, which culminated Tuesday with the President posting “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” on Truth Social.
Earlier, Trump had claimed: “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.”
The President added ominously: “Our patience is wearing thin.”
WARNING OF ‘ALL-OUT WAR’
Iranian officials have explicitly warned that US military involvement would lead to catastrophic regional conflict.
Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, confirmed Tehran had conveyed to Washington that it would retaliate against the United States for any direct participation in attacks.
The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,” Khamenei emphasized in his address.
TRUMP WEIGHS MILITARY OPTIONS
According to CNN sources, Trump is growing increasingly warm to using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities and souring on diplomatic solutions.
The President met for 90 minutes with his National Security Council on Tuesday to discuss options, which reportedly include:
- Joining Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites
- Direct US military intervention
- Continued diplomatic pressure
Two officials told CNN the hawkish posture represents a significant shift in Trump’s approach, though he remains open to a diplomatic solution – if Iran makes major concessions.
PENTAGON BUILDUP
The US military is significantly expanding its Middle East presence:
- Additional fighter aircraft being deployed
- Another aircraft carrier moving to the region
- Extension of current warplane deployments
- Forces officially in “defensive posture”
Pentagon officials describe the moves as defensive, but the buildup coincides with Trump’s escalating rhetoric.
ISRAEL INTENSIFIES ATTACKS
As the war of words escalated, Israeli warplanes continued bombing Tehran overnight, with the IDF claiming to have struck:
- Centrifuge production sites for uranium enrichment
- Missile production facilities
- Raw material sites for weapons systems
- 20 targets hit by 50 Israeli jets
Thousands are fleeing Tehran as the bombardment intensifies, with massive traffic jams on the Karaj-Chalus road as residents evacuate the capital.
‘RIDICULOUS’ STATEMENTS
Khamenei particularly condemned Trump’s recent statements during his Middle East tour, where the President praised Arab leaders while criticizing Iran.
The level of those remarks is so low that they are a disgrace for the one who uttered them and a disgrace to the American nation,” Khamenei said in an earlier speech.
He accused Trump of “lying” when claiming to seek peace while backing Israel’s military campaign.
NUCLEAR TALKS STALLED
The escalating rhetoric comes as nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran appear to have collapsed.
Trump told reporters Tuesday he was “not too much in a mood to negotiate” after previously pushing for a diplomatic solution.
Iran maintains it has received no concrete written proposal from the US, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi citing “confusing and contradictory” rhetoric from Washington.
REGIME CHANGE THREATS
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz raised the stakes by suggesting Khamenei could face the same fate as Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led invasion and hanged in 2006.
The threats of regime change have particular resonance in Iran, which experienced US-backed regime change in 1953 when the CIA helped overthrow democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.
DIVIDED AMERICA
The potential for US military involvement has divided Trump’s base, with prominent conservatives warning against intervention.
Tucker Carlson’s newsletter cautioned: “If Israel wants to wage this war, it has every right to do so… But not with America’s backing.”
Vice President JD Vance attempted to reassure skeptics, praising Trump’s “remarkable restraint” while suggesting supporters should trust the President’s judgment.
THE BATTLE BEGINS
In a chilling dawn social media post, Khamenei warned Israel: “The battle begins.
With both sides refusing to back down and the US contemplating direct military involvement, the Middle East appears to be hurtling toward its most dangerous confrontation in decades.
As one Western diplomat warned: “We’re one miscalculation away from World War Three.”
This is a developing story – more to follow
Image credit: Khamenei.ir via Wikimedia Commons — Licensed under CC BY 4.0
