In a fiery televised address on Wednesday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei lashed out at Israel and the United States, warning of dire consequences if military action is taken against his country. Declaring that Iran would not surrender under pressure, Khamenei accused Israel of committing a "grave mistake" in its recent actions, vowing that Tel Aviv would be "punished" for its aggression. "Israel made a huge mistake, and they will face dire consequences. We will show no mercy to its rulers," he asserted in his first television address to the nation after the recent conflict.
His remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump called for Iran's "unconditional surrender." In response, Khamenei delivered a stern warning to Washington, emphasising that any strike against Iran would spark "serious and irreparable consequences." He cautioned the US against engaging in military conflict, suggesting that such a move would result in substantial damage to American interests.
Iran vows firm response to aggression
Khamenei declared that Iran will respond firmly to any aggression against its territory, stressing that the country’s armed forces are on high alert. He vowed that Iran will neither forgive nor forget the Zionist regime's violation of its airspace and the bloodshed of its martyrs. "Our armed forces are ready to defend the homeland, supported by officials and the entire nation," he added.
It should be noted here that the comments by 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came in a statement read aloud by a state television anchor against a still image of the leader.
No negotiations with Iran: Israeli defence minister
Meanwhile, Israeli ministers asserted that there will be "no negotiations" with Iran as they vowed to carry on with Operation Rising Lion till it achieves its objectives. Taking to X, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also hinted at the possibility of a regime change in the Islamic nation. "A tornado passes over Tehran. Symbols of government are being bombed and destroyed -- from the Broadcasting Authority and soon other targets -- and crowds of residents are fleeing. This is how dictatorships collapse," Katz wrote, hinting towards a possible regime change in Tehran.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar briefed foreign ambassadors at the site of the Iranian ballistic missile attack in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, on Sunday, in which at least nine persons were killed and dozens others injured. "There are no negotiations. The operation will continue until we achieve our objectives," he told the foreign diplomats.
Iran-Israel war
The conflict between Israel and Iran entered the sixth day on Wednesday, with both sides trading missile strikes. As per reports, civilians in key areas face waves of attacks. More than 220 people have been killed in Iran since the hostilities started, while around two dozen people have been killed in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of intending to have a forever war and blamed it for bringing Israel to the "brink of nuclear war."
(With inputs from AP)
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