In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump had directly threatened the Iranian Supreme Leader, saying he knew „where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding.“
Key Facts
According to a statement delivered via Iranian state media, the Supreme Leader said his country “stands firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace,” adding that Iran will “not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition,” warning any U.S. involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict will undoubtedly lead to “serious irreparable harm.”
The Iranian leader also addressed president Trump’s comments on Tuesday calling for Iran’s “uncondional surrender,” saying those who know his country’s history “know that Iranians do not answer well to the language of threats.”
Aerial attacks from both sides continued early on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office claimed Iran has launched more than 400 missiles and hundreds of drones since Friday.
White House officials told multiple outlets Trump spoke with Netanyahu on Tuesday after a meeting with national security advisors.
Unnamed U.S. officials cited by Axios said Trump was seriously considering entering the conflict by launching strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Trump warned on Truth Social earlier Tuesday: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” referring to Khamenei, who is increasingly isolated after Israel assassinated several of his top generals, adding Khamenei is “safe” and “we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” but said “our patience is wearing thin.” Key Background
Tensions between Iran and Israel first erupted on Friday, when the Israel military carried out unilateral strikes against key nuclear facilities and killed several top Iranian generals and nuclear scientists. Netanyahu claimed Israel’s attack was an act of self defense as the Iranian nuclear program posed “a danger to Israel’s very survival.” On Monday, Trump exited the G7 summit earlier than scheduled and flew back from Canada to Washington as tensions between Iran and Israel escalated, with the White House press secretary saying he left early “because of what’s going on in the Middle East.
