Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pushed back firmly against threats from US President Donald Trump, warning that any military move by Washington would lead to consequences that “cannot be reversed.”
The remarks, broadcast in a televised speech on Wednesday, come amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, following days of cross-border strikes between Iran and Israel. Trump recently declared that the US holds “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and described Khamenei as an “easy target,” while demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
In his response, Khamenei said that the Iranian people would not be intimidated by threats or ultimatums. “Any nation with dignity will never bow to pressure,” he said. “Iran will not surrender—certainly not to the threats of someone who thinks power comes from loud words.”
Khamenei stressed that Iran would resist any externally imposed peace deal and warned that an American military intervention would result in “irreparable harm” to the United States. He argued that Iran’s history proves it will never give in to foreign coercion.
He also criticized Trump’s language as “absurd,” claiming it exposes direct US involvement in Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian territory.
The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated on Friday, when Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian facilities, claiming the action was necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denied the allegations and retaliated with drone and missile barrages.
While the US has backed Israel’s military campaign, other global powers have voiced concern. Russia has condemned the Israeli strikes as unlawful and warned that any damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure could spark a “nuclear disaster.” Moscow also suggested that Israel’s actions, which have drawn international criticism, appear to be supported only by its closest allies.
As tensions continue to rise, Khamenei insisted that the Iranian people are unified in their resistance. “They should direct their threats at those who fear them,” he said. “The Iranian nation is not one of them.”
