Khamenei rejects Trump’s call for surrender, issues warning if US intervenes

Published June 18, 2025 8:50am ET



Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stood defiant in the face of President Donald Trump’s threats, saying any intervention would be met with “irreparable damage.”

In a televised address, Khamenei sought to reassure Iranians amid increasing signals that the United States could join Israel in its assault on Iran. He turned to Iranian history to wave off Trump’s threats, warning of retaliation if any actions were taken against Tehran.

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