Iran will not surrender, supreme leader says, as he warns of 'irreparable damage' if US launches strikes
18 June 2025, 11:46 | Updated: 18 June 2025, 12:35
Iran's supreme leader has said his country will never surrender in its war against Israel.
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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel has made a 'huge mistake' by attacking Iran.
He added "any US military intervention will undoubtedly cause irreparable damage", slamming Donald Trump's "threatening and ridiculous statements."
It comes as Trump has called for the "unconditional surrender" of Iran - warning the US could join Israel's war in the Middle East.
According to reports from American news outlets NBC and CBS, Trump is considering joining Israel in attacking Iran, as officials say the US president is considering a US strike on the country.
But, speaking on Wednesday, an Iranian spokesman warned American involvement could lead to "all-out war" in the region.
The spokesperson added Iran would not hesitate to attack the US if it joined Israel.
One possible location the US President is considering striking is Fordow, an underground nuclear site which Iran allegedly uses to enrich uranium.
The site is believed to be at the heart of Iran's nuclear programme, according to sources who spoke to CBS, which include senior US officials.
Fordow is located almost 300 feet underground inside a mountain, and is protected by heavy fortifications and air defences.
Experts believe it is where Iran has been enriching uranium for weapons purposes, which hasn't yet been proven.
Russia has joined Iran in warning the US off joining Israel's war.
Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, said: "This would be a step that would radically destabilise the entire situation."
It comes just hours after the US president claimed to know the location of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: "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."
Without further explanation he also wrote "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" on the platform.
Speaking from the G7 in Canada on Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted British people should not feel unsafe with President Donald Trump in the White House amid fears over conflict in the Middle East.
Reports suggest around 40 additional US air force jets have now arrived in the UK and Europe, comprising of stealth fighter bombers and air to air refuellers amid escalating tensions with Iran.
It comes as two unnamed US officials told Reuters on Monday that the jets were there “to provide options to President Donald Trump as Middle East tensions erupt into conflict between Iran and Israel.”
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