Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared on Wednesday that Iran will never bow to President Donald Trump’s demand for “unconditional surrender,” warning the U.S. of “irreparable damage” should it intervene in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
The statement came six days into a violent escalation sparked by Israeli airstrikes, which have prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran. Trump, after leaving the G7 summit abruptly, escalated tensions further by boasting the U.S. could assassinate Khamenei but had chosen not to—“at least not for now.”
“This nation will never surrender,” Khamenei said in a televised address, calling Trump’s ultimatum “unacceptable.”
“America should know that any military intervention will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage.”
Israeli Strikes Target Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure
Israel’s military confirmed extensive airstrikes around Tehran, targeting nuclear-related facilities. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), two centrifuge production buildings were destroyed in Karaj, and another site producing advanced centrifuge rotors was hit in Tehran.
Centrifuges are critical for uranium enrichment—a process essential for both civilian nuclear energy and, at higher levels, nuclear weapons.
Hypersonic Missiles and Drone Swarms
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles toward Tel Aviv. Although no missile hit the city, Israeli air defense systems were visibly active, intercepting incoming threats. Iran also deployed a “swarm of drones,” with Israel reporting the interception of 10. One Israeli drone was reportedly shot down over Iran.
Civilian Impact and Evacuations
The crossfire has hit both military targets and residential zones. Iran claims at least 224 casualties from Israeli strikes, including military personnel, scientists, and civilians. Israel reports 24 deaths and hundreds injured.
Foreign governments have begun evacuating citizens, and panic-buying has surged in Tehran, with long queues at bakeries and fuel stations.
In Tel Aviv, recurring air raid sirens sent residents fleeing to shelters. In Ramallah, observers watched as Israeli defense systems intercepted missiles overhead, lighting up the night sky.
Nuclear Talks Collapse
The conflict has effectively halted U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Iran announced it will not resume talks while under attack. Meanwhile, the UN watchdog confirmed possible damage to underground enrichment facilities at Natanz.
Israel, long accused of nuclear ambiguity, is estimated to possess around 90 warheads, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Mossad Agents Arrested
Iran’s ISNA and Tasnim news agencies reported the arrest of five individuals allegedly linked to Israel’s Mossad. They are accused of spreading disinformation and tarnishing Iran’s image online.
Trump’s Provocations
At the G7 summit, while other leaders urged restraint, Trump reinforced support for Israel and stoked intervention rumors:
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “He is an easy target… but we’re not taking him out—yet.”
The U.S. National Security Council met to discuss the conflict. No formal decision on intervention has been made.
