“We Will Never Surrender”: Iran’s Supreme Leader Defies U.S. and Israel Amid Escalating Conflict
Tehran, June 18, 2025
As tensions in the Middle East spiral into one of the most dangerous escalations in years, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a defiant statement, vowing that the Islamic Republic will “never surrender,” even as U.S. and Israeli forces intensify military pressure.
In a strongly worded message posted on his official account on X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei wrote, “It isn’t wise to tell the Iranian nation to surrender. What should we surrender to? We will never bow in response to attacks from any side. This is the enduring logic and spirit of our nation.”
His declaration comes in the wake of a series of deadly Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, which began late last week. The attacks have reportedly killed over 500 people and injured thousands, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran. The Israeli offensive followed a breakdown in U.S.-Iran negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, long suspected by the West of veiling ambitions to develop nuclear weapons.
Trump Calls for “Unconditional Surrender”
Adding fuel to the fire, U.S. President Donald Trump—widely seen as a kingmaker ahead of the upcoming U.S. elections—posted a provocative message on Truth Social on Tuesday. In it, he demanded Iran's “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”, claiming that American intelligence knows “exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding.”
“He is an easy target,” Trump added, “but we are not going to take him out—at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles fired at civilians or at our troops. Our patience is wearing thin.”
Khamenei responded sharply the next day: “The U.S. president threatens the Iranian nation with nonsense. These threats are meant for those who are afraid. The Iranian people are not intimidated.”
He went further, warning that direct American involvement in the conflict would be a catastrophic mistake. “Any military entry by the U.S. into this war will be to its own detriment. The scale of damage America would face would far exceed any harm to Iran.”
Tehran Under Threat as Evacuations Begin
In a rare joint advisory, both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Trump’s team have urged civilians in Tehran to evacuate the city immediately. The message followed Israeli claims that more targeted strikes are imminent, especially if Iran retaliates with further ballistic missile attacks.
Eyewitness reports from the Iranian capital describe widespread fear and confusion, with many families fleeing urban centers for rural areas. Public transportation hubs are reportedly overwhelmed, and fuel shortages are being reported in several provinces.
The Larger Geopolitical Picture
This latest escalation reflects the increasing volatility of the U.S.-Iran-Israel triangle. The Biden administration, while calling for de-escalation, has so far refrained from military engagement, leaving the diplomatic vacuum open for figures like Trump to exploit.
Analysts warn that without swift international intervention, the situation could spiral into a regional war—possibly drawing in U.S. allies in the Gulf and destabilizing oil markets.
As the rhetoric grows louder and the missiles fly, the world watches a volatile game of brinkmanship unfold. For now, Iran's Supreme Leader shows no sign of backing down, and the international community braces for what could be a critical turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics.