Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, warned the United States that it would suffer “irreparable damage” if it intervened on behalf of its ally, saying on Wednesday that the country will never submit as President Donald Trump has requested.
Trump’s address, which was delivered six days into the war, fueled rumors of a potential involvement while demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and boasting that the US could murder Khamenei.
Israel initiated a large bombing assault Friday, prompting Iran to retaliate with missiles and drones, starting the long-range blitz.
Khamenei branded Trump’s ultimatum “unacceptable” and declared, “This nation will never surrender,” in a speech broadcast on state television.
