Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a sharp warning to the United States on Wednesday, stating that any American intervention in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict would result in “irreparable damage.” Khamenei’s remarks come on the sixth day of a fierce and unprecedented aerial war with Israel, which has already claimed hundreds of lives and targeted critical infrastructure across Iran.Watch Israel-Iran news live updates
Ayatollah, who has remained largely silent since Israel began its bombing campaign last Friday, broke his quiet with a defiant post on X: “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.”Khamenei’s warning also follows inflammatory comments by US President Donald Trump, who on Tuesday demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and brazenly suggested that the US could assassinate Khamenei.“He is an easy target, but is safe there—we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump posted on social media.Exiled royal Reza Pahlavi urges uprising in Iran; calls Khamenei ‘a frightened rat’
This came after Israeli fighter jets struck dozens of Iranian sites, including nuclear and military facilities in Tehran, drawing immediate retaliation from Iran. On Wednesday, Tehran claimed it had launched hypersonic missiles at Israel — a first in the region’s military exchanges.As air raid sirens continue to wail in both countries and diplomatic channels remain frozen, Khamenei’s call for a “strong response” signals that Iran is preparing for further escalation.“Iran will never surrender,” Khamenei declared in another statement, reinforcing his resolve in the face of growing Western pressure.2 centrifuge manufacturing sites destroyed near Tehran, says IAEA
While Israel has insisted its strikes are intended to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the inclusion of residential areas in the bombing campaign has provoked international concern. Human rights groups have reported hundreds of civilian casualties inside Iran.Khamenei’s upcoming address — his first major televised speech since the start of this war — is expected to set the tone for Iran’s next move as the region stands on the brink of a broader conflict.