Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday reacted to US President Donald Trump’s warning that the country should “unconditionally surrender”, saying Tehran doesn’t answer well to the “language of threat”. He also said Israel’s attack on Iran is a huge mistake.
“Israel made a huge mistake and will be punished for that,” he said in a speech.
He said Iran will not accept an imposed peace or war.
Referring to Trump’s threats, he said: “Those who know Iran’s history know that Iranians do not answer well to the language of threat”.
He also issued a stern message to the United States.
“They should know that Iran will not surrender, and any US strike will have serious, irreparable consequences,” he added.
Also read: Israel-Iran conflict: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s ‘no mercy for Zionists’ warning days after assassination threat
Israel strikes Tehran
A series of powerful Israeli airstrikes rocked the Iranian capital early Wednesday, marking the most direct and intense escalation yet in a week-long military campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The strikes came just hours after Trump warned Tehran’s residents to evacuate and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Donald Trump also warned that the US knows where Iran has hidden Khamenei.
“We know exactly where the so-called “Supreme Leader” is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Also read: Intense Israeli strikes hit Tehran after Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’
Thousands flee Tehran
Thousands of people were fleeing Tehran on Wednesday after Israeli warplanes bombed the city overnight. Reuters reported, quoting sources, that Donald Trump was considering options that include joining Israel in attacking Iranian nuclear sites.
Israel said 50 jets struck around 20 targets in Tehran overnight, including sites producing raw materials, components and manufacturing systems for missiles.
At least 224 people have been killed in Iran, and 1,277 others have been wounded. In Israel, at least 24 people have died since Iran launched its retaliatory strikes.
With inputs from agencies
