Iran’s Supreme leader rejects Trump’s call for unconditional surrender, Iran will respond firmly if US becomes directly involved

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for unconditional surrender, stating that Iran will not succumb to threats or external pressure. 

His remarks, delivered via a televised statement on Wednesday, marked his first public comments since Friday’s escalation with Israel.

“No intelligent person familiar with Iran’s people and history would speak to us in the language of threats,” Khamenei said. “The Iranian nation will never surrender. Any U.S. military action will lead to irreversible consequences.”

The comments came amid heightened conflict, as Israeli warplanes bombed Tehran overnight, prompting thousands of residents to flee the capital, according to Iranian media. Israel said around 50 of its jets struck 20 targets in Tehran, including facilities related to missile production.

A source close to the White House revealed that President Trump and his advisers are evaluating several options, including joining Israel in strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iran has warned the U.S. that any direct involvement in Israel’s offensive will trigger retaliation.

Ali Bahreini, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, accused the U.S. of complicity in Israel’s actions and warned of a firm response if Washington escalates its military role. “We will defend our people and our land without hesitation,” Bahreini said.

Israel initiated its most extensive aerial campaign against Iran on Friday, citing concerns that Tehran is nearing the capability to develop nuclear weapons—an accusation Iran has repeatedly denied.

While the U.S. has not yet engaged in direct combat, it has supported Israel by intercepting missiles and increasing its military presence in the region. Reuters reported that more American fighter jets are being deployed to the Middle East, with others extending their missions.

Meanwhile, both Iran and Israel continued exchanging missile fire on Wednesday, with explosions reported over Tel Aviv following two waves of Iranian missile launches.