Iran’s Khamenei Rejects U.S. Surrender Demand over Strikes/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected U.S. calls for surrender and cautioned that any American military intervention would cause “irreparable damage.” The statement, broadcast on state TV, came after President Trump demanded Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and claimed control of Iranian skies. Israeli strikes on nuclear-related sites continue, while retaliatory Iranian missile launches have eased.
Quick Highlights
- Khamenei refuses surrender, warns U.S. intervention risks severe consequences
- Statement broadcast via Iranian state TV as turmoil in Tehran intensifies
- Trump’s demand met with defiance, following his call for “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”
- Strikes hit Iran’s centrifuge and missile sites, killing hundreds including civilians
- Iranian retaliation slows after firing ~400 missiles, hundreds of drones
- U.S. military buildup continues, with warplanes and ships repositioned nearby
- Diplomatic efforts appear stalled, no sightings of Khamenei amid escalating tensions
- First Israeli repatriation flights land since airports were shut over missile threats
Iran’s Khamenei Rejects U.S. Surrender Demand over Strikes
In-Depth Coverage
Khamenei’s Firm Rebuttal
On Wednesday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly rejected Trump’s demands in an official statement aired on state television, warning that U.S. military intervention would result in “irreparable damage” to America.
This came after President Trump claimed in a social media post that the U.S. knows Khamenei’s whereabouts and ordered Iran to surrender unconditionally.
U.S.–Iran Hostilities Escalate
Trump’s social media messages demanded Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”, asserting total U.S. control over Iranian airspace. Khamenei responded with defiance, emphasizing that any direct intervention would backfire.
A Foreign Ministry official earlier warned that American involvement could lead to “all‑out war,” noting U.S. forces are within Iran’s missile range.
Continued Israeli Airstrikes
Israeli forces struck Iranian sites connected to uranium centrifuge production and missile components. The Israel Defense Forces reported intercepting 10 incoming missiles overnight.
The UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) confirmed multiple centrifuge facilities near Tehran were hit, while Israeli targeting extended into western missile storage areas.
Casualty Toll Rises
Human Rights Activists, a U.S.-based Iranian group, reported at least 585 killed—including 239 civilians—and more than 1,300 wounded due to Israeli strikes. Iran’s government, citing earlier figures, reported 224 dead and 1,277 injured.
In retaliation, Iran fired around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, resulting in at least 24 fatalities in Israel and numerous injuries, including strikes on residential buildings.
Iranian Nuclear Position
Iran maintained its peaceful nuclear agenda, with its Geneva ambassador stating enrichment would continue as needed for non-military purposes. He called Trump’s surrender demand “completely unwarranted” and warned of consequences if U.S. actions cross a “red line.”
Despite significant damage, Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and gas stations remained open, though parts of the city experienced early-morning explosions, including strikes in the Hakimiyeh area near a Revolutionary Guard academy.
No Ceasefire in Sight
Israel asserts ongoing strikes are essential to dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, claiming Trump’s 60-day deadline for diplomatic talks has passed.
Iran counters that Uranium enrichment at 60% purity— just short of weapons-grade—will continue despite warnings.
Flights Resume to Israel
Commercial flights restarted as two repatriation flights landed at Ben Gurion Airport, the first arrivals since missile threats shut down Israeli airspace. The disruption had str stranded thousands abroad.
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