Iran’s Khamenei says ‘never surrender’; warns U.S. of ‘irreparable damage’ if it intervenes

Iran's supreme leader rejects U.S. demands, warns of "irreparable damage" if military intervention occurs, amid escalating conflict with Israel.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday (June 18, 2025) the nation would never surrender as demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump and warned the United States it would face “irreparable damage” if it intervenes.

“This nation will never surrender to imposition from anyone,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a speech read on state television. “America should know that any military intervention will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage.”

Israel-Iran conflict: Follow LIVE updates on June 18, 2025

The remarks from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has only been seen once since the strikes began, came after Mr Trump demanded “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” in a social media post and warned Ayatollah Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is but has no plans to kill him, “at least not for now.”

Mr Trump initially distanced himself from Israel’s surprise attack on Friday (June 13, 2025) that triggered the conflict but in recent days has hinted at greater American involvement, saying he wants something “much bigger” than a ceasefire. The U.S. has also sent more warplanes to the region.

An Iranian official had earlier warned Wednesday (June 18, 2025) that U.S. intervention would risk “all-out war.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate but thousands of American troops are based in nearby countries within range of Iran’s weapons. The U.S. has threatened a massive response to any attack.