Iran’s Supreme Leader Warns US of ‘Irreparable Damage’ if It Joins War

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed US demands for surrender and issued a stern warning that any American involvement in the conflict would cause “irreparable damage.”

This comes amid Israel intensifying its calls for regime change and ordering civilians to evacuate parts of Tehran.

In his first public remarks since the conflict began on Friday, Khamenei condemned Israel’s decision to launch the war as a “huge mistake,” emphasizing that the Iranian people will never submit to threats. A statement broadcast on state TV declared that any US military intervention would be met with severe consequences.

According to US intelligence cited by the New York Times, Iran is preparing missile strikes on American bases in the region should Washington escalate its involvement.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, demanded “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” from Iran on social media, signaling growing impatience. While initially distancing the US from the war, the Trump administration has recently ramped up both its rhetoric and military presence in the Middle East.

Central to the conflict is Iran’s deeply buried Fordow nuclear facility near Qom, which Israel and hawks in Washington view as a critical target. Destroying Fordow would significantly delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but such a strike requires the US’s most powerful bunker-buster bombs and stealth bombers.

Israel’s national security adviser confirmed that the current war effort is primarily Israeli but hinted that it cannot conclude without damaging Fordow. Without US support, Israel may consider riskier ground or targeted operations to disable the site.

Israel frames its actions as self-defense against Iran’s nuclear threat, but Israeli leaders have openly expressed hopes for regime change. Reports also suggest President Trump vetoed an Israeli assassination plan against Khamenei, and controversy surrounds strikes on civilian targets like state media buildings.

Israeli officials claim their bombing campaign is targeting “symbols of power,” with defense minister Israel Katz describing a “tornado” tearing through Tehran and suggesting the regime may be nearing collapse.

International concern is mounting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to mediate, warning that US intervention would destabilize the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed deep worry over the escalating violence, while Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned Israel’s attacks and affirmed Iran’s right to self-defense.

After six nights of strikes, Israel has hit uranium centrifuge factories and missile parts plants, while Iran continues missile attacks on Israel, with dozens of casualties on both sides. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed damage to Iran’s centrifuge production facilities.

Despite heavy losses, Iran’s military remains capable, having recently shot down an Israeli drone and launched missile salvos at Israel. Israel’s missile defense systems, vital for protecting its population, are reportedly running low amid the ongoing conflict.

As tensions soar and the possibility of US involvement looms, the Middle East faces a dangerous and unpredictable escalation.