In a dramatic turn of events on June 18, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” even as Israeli warplanes again struck Tehran and other nuclear‑linked sites for the sixth consecutive day — unleashing waves of panic across the nation.
At 86, Khamenei—within hours of powerful blows to military and scientific infrastructure—addressed the nation in a pre‑recorded televised statement. He was clear and unyielding:
“The Iranian nation is not one to surrender.”
“Americans should know that any military involvement by the US will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.”
He underscored that “peace or war cannot simply be imposed” upon Iran—a nation forged on centuries of resistance—and cautioned the United States to steer clear.
This fiery response comes after Trump, on June 17, turned up the heat, tweeting ominously about Khamenei’s fate. The president said his Iranian counterpart is safe “for now,” but quickly urged Tehran to “offer its unconditional surrender.”
Trump tweeted:
“He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
“Our patience is wearing thin.”
Trump’s volley follows his previous remarks about bringing a “real end” to the escalating violence, a topic he discussed with his National Security Council on June 17—raising speculation of deeper U.S. involvement.
🎯 “Significant Blows,” Strategic Targets
Israeli forces, relentless in their campaign, struck more than 1,100 targets within Iran since June 13, according to Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin in a video on X.
Defrin described the strikes as “significant blows to the Iranian regime,” pushing Iran’s focus inward—mostly against missile‑launching hubs near Isfahan.
Civilian deaths are mounting. Iran-based HRANA reported 239 civilians, 126 military, and 220 others killed, with over 1,300 wounded, based on official and local figures.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials confirm 24 civilian lives lost due to Iranian retaliatory strikes reaching Israeli territory.
🚨 Mass Evacuations Ignite Fear
Millions of Iran’s population have been rattled into flight. Hundreds of thousands are jammed on highways from Tehran toward border crossings with Turkey and Armenia, hoping to escape the violence.
One fleeing woman told RFE/RL’s Armenian service:
“Everyone is worried. Worried of war. Worried of these missiles.”
With airspace sealed and city roads deserted, only by land can people head to safety—creating gridlocked routes and a tense humanitarian crisis.
🌍 Weapons Game & Wider Alarm
Iranian officials view the U.S. as a de facto partner in Israel’s surge—but Khamenei warns any direct U.S. role will clash with consequences beyond measure.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova summed up the gravity on June 18, stating the world is “millimeters away from catastrophe.”
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Tehran to de-escalate, saying:
“It is never too late to come to the negotiating table if you come with honest intentions.”
But Tehran remains adamant: the nuclear program, it says, is for peaceful civilian aims—not bombs.
🌡️ A Region on the Brink
The Middle East is already teetering, grappling with the fallout from Israel’s Gaza campaign, and now this escalation threatens an all‑out war. September alarms are transforming rapidly into June‑level anxiety.
Even if the U.S. doesn’t officially enter the battlefield, Israel may need U.S. bunker‑buster bombs to hit deeply buried nuclear facilities like Fordow.
Iran, in turn, warns of strategic retaliation—closing or mining the Strait of Hormuz, wielding its missile and proxy arsenal across the region.
📌 Bottom Line
Khamenei stands defiant, ridicules Trump’s demands, and signals U.S. interference would “cause irreparable damage.”
Israel continues to pound Iranian nuclear and military sites, reshaping the battlefield.
Civilians pay the heaviest price, fleeing for safety amid rising panic.
The world watches anxiously, warning that direct U.S. involvement could unleash catastrophic regional conflict.
