June 18: In a strong rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Tehran would not surrender to American pressure and warned that any military intervention would lead to irreparable consequences.
Speaking in a televised address on Wednesday—just a day after Trump called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” amid its ongoing conflict with Israel—Khamenei asserted that Iran would stand firm against any “imposed war” and remain steadfast in defending its sovereignty.
Khamenei’s remarks underscored heightened tensions in the region and signaled a defiant posture from Tehran in the face of mounting U.S. demands.
