DUBAI / TEHRAN / JERUSALEM – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has strongly rejected U.S. calls for surrender, warning that any military involvement by the United States will cause “irreparable damage.”

His defiant message comes just six days after Israel launched a surprise wave of airstrikes, triggering a deadly new chapter in the regional conflict. In a rare public appearance, Khamenei declared:

The video was released by Iranian state media before it was aired, a likely security move. Khamenei appeared in front of a beige curtain, beside an Iranian flag and a portrait of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini.

Tensions Escalate After Trump Threats

U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier demanded Iran surrender unconditionally and claimed the U.S. “knows where Khamenei is” but isn’t targeting him, “at least not for now.”

Trump initially distanced himself from Israel’s first strike last Friday, but now says he wants “something much bigger than a ceasefire.” The U.S. has deployed more warplanes and naval forces to the region, raising fears of direct military escalation.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned that U.S. intervention could lead to “all-out war.”

Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its bombardment, targeting Iran’s military and nuclear facilities. Israeli forces say they hit sites producing uranium centrifuges and missile components. Iran responded by firing over 400 missiles and drones in retaliation, killing 24 people in Israel.

‘We Will Keep Enriching Uranium’ – Iran Vows to Continue Nuclear Program

Despite heavy bombardment, Iran says it will continue enriching uranium for peaceful use.

While Iran claims it’s not building nuclear weapons, it remains the only non-nuclear-armed country enriching uranium up to 60% purity, dangerously close to weapons-grade. Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, justifies its strikes as a way to stop Iran’s program.

Israeli Strikes Hit Tehran, Casualties Mount

Wednesday saw a loud explosion in eastern Tehran, reportedly near a Revolutionary Guard academy. Human rights groups say 585 Iranians have died so far, including 239 civilians. Shops are closed, fuel is scarce, and many residents are fleeing the capital.

Israel has hit several nuclear-related sites, killing scientists and military leaders. The UN atomic agency confirmed that two Iranian centrifuge facilities were destroyed.

Flights Resume in Israel

For the first time since the conflict began, international flights landed in Israel on Wednesday. Two planes from Cyprus arrived at Ben Gurion Airport as Israel eased restrictions on gatherings and office work, though schools remain closed.

What’s Next?

The situation remains fragile. As both sides trade deadly blows, the threat of broader war looms. Khamenei's vow to resist and Trump’s push for domination put the region on a knife’s edge. Any misstep now could spiral into a full-scale U.S.-Iran conflict with global consequences.