Iran Refuses to Surrender as Ayatollah Khamenei Warns US Against Military Involvement
Tehran, June 18, 2025 — In a bold and defiant statement aired on national television, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected U.S. demands for surrender, warning President Donald Trump of dire consequences if American forces intervene in the Iran-Israel conflict. His remarks came amid growing hostilities in the Middle East, which have already claimed hundreds of lives.
Khamenei’s message, delivered via Iran’s state broadcaster, directly addressed Washington’s recent demands and expressed unwavering resistance.
“America should listen clearly—we will not surrender,” said the Supreme Leader. “Those who know Iran’s history understand that Iranians never bow to threats. Israel has made a grave mistake and will pay for it. We reject both imposed peace and war.”
Khamenei Declares War on Israel, Launches Missile Attacks
On Tuesday night, just hours before his televised warning to the United States, Khamenei publicly announced the beginning of Iran’s retaliation campaign against Israel. Posting on social media platform X, the Supreme Leader declared: “The war begins. We will respond harshly to the terrorist regime of Israel. There will be no mercy.”
Shortly after this declaration, Iran launched 25 missiles targeting Israeli military sites, escalating the already volatile situation.
This military offensive came as a response to a controversial demand from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had earlier posted on his Truth Social platform calling for Khamenei’s “unconditional surrender.” Trump claimed, “We have full control over Iranian airspace. We know where the Supreme Leader is hiding—but we will not strike… yet.”
Iran Orders Citizens to Delete WhatsApp Over Espionage Fears
As tensions with Israel and the U.S. intensify, the Iranian government has issued a directive instructing all citizens to uninstall WhatsApp from their smartphones. Officials alleged that the messaging app is being used to transmit sensitive user data to Israeli intelligence.
In response, WhatsApp strongly denied the accusations. The platform released a statement asserting that all communication on its network is protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning neither WhatsApp nor any third party can access user messages.
This directive is part of a broader cybersecurity campaign launched by Iranian authorities, who fear foreign influence and digital espionage in the wake of escalating military conflict.
Casualties Rise as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The human toll of the Iran-Israel conflict continues to mount. According to a U.S.-based human rights organization, at least 585 people have died in Iran since the fighting began on June 13, with over 1,326 reported injured. These figures significantly exceed the Iranian government’s last official update, which acknowledged 230 deaths and 1,277 injuries as of Monday.
In response to Iranian missile attacks, Israel has launched a series of counter-strikes, including a targeted assault on the Mossad headquarters located in Herzliya, a suburb north of Tel Aviv. Footage from the scene shows widespread destruction and emergency operations underway.
Meanwhile, in Israel’s Bnei Brak region, an airstrike reduced multiple buildings to rubble. Civil defense forces continue to search for survivors under the debris.
Middle East on Edge as Iran-Israel War Threatens Regional Stability
The ongoing military confrontation has triggered widespread concern among global powers, with the United Nations calling for an immediate ceasefire. However, both sides remain defiant. Iran vows revenge for every strike, while Israel maintains that it will continue to defend itself with full force.
Analysts warn that direct U.S. involvement could transform the current conflict into a broader regional war, dragging in other countries across the Middle East.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s latest message has made it clear: Iran will not tolerate any external interference. “If American troops interfere in this war,” he said, “the outcome will be catastrophic—not just for them, but for the entire region.”
No End in Sight for Iran-Israel Tensions
As the death toll rises and rhetoric hardens, there appears to be little room left for diplomacy. Iran’s rejection of U.S. demands and its aggressive military posture mark a dangerous turning point in the conflict.
With Ayatollah Khamenei vowing continued resistance and Washington signaling readiness to act, the world watches anxiously as the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider war.
