Top Stories

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared on 18 June 2025 that the Islamic Republic “will never surrender,” rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for an unconditional capitulation amid Iran’s conflict with Israel. His remarks were delivered in a statement read on state television and reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Khamenei warned Washington that “any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage,” adding that Iran would not accept either an imposed war or an imposed peace. He underscored Tehran’s readiness to retaliate by saying, “war will be met with war, bombing with bombing, and strike with strike.” The comments heighten tensions as the United States weighs its role in the six-day aerial exchange between Israel and Iran. Khamenei’s unequivocal stance signals that further escalation could draw a direct confrontation between Tehran and Washington if U.S. forces enter the conflict.