Tehran,: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a strong rebuttal to recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting that Iran will never surrender to foreign pressure or military threats. His remarks came a day after Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and labeled Khamenei an “easy target.”
In a nationally televised address — only his second since Israel launched military operations against Iran last week — Khamenei warned Washington against underestimating the resolve of the Iranian people. “Let the Americans know that the Iranian nation is not one to surrender, and any military intervention on their part will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage,” he said.
He further added, “Those who are wise and familiar with Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation in the language of threats.”
Khamenei’s response follows a social media post by Trump on Truth Social, where the former U.S. president intensified his rhetoric by writing in all caps: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Trump also claimed that the U.S. and Israel knew Khamenei’s location, calling him “an easy target” — a statement seen by many as an open provocation.
The Supreme Leader’s firm tone highlights Iran’s refusal to yield amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Both Iranian and Israeli forces remain on high alert, and Washington has increased its military presence in the region, although the White House has stopped short of confirming direct intervention.
Diplomatic channels remain largely frozen, with the international community urging restraint from both sides. However, with rhetoric escalating and the risk of broader conflict looming, observers fear the possibility of military miscalculation is growing.
Khamenei concluded his address by reiterating Iran’s resilience, stating, “We have faced threats before. The Iranian nation will remain steadfast, and those who challenge us will regret their misjudgment.”
