‘Americans should know that…’: Iran’s Khamenei warns Trump of ‘irreparable damage’ in event of US strike

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning on Wednesday in response to US President Donald Trump’s demand for Iran to surrender unconditionally. Khamenei cautioned that any military action by the United States would result in "serious and irreparable consequences."

In a message posted on X, Khamenei stated, "Those familiar with Iran’s history would never address this nation with threats, as the Iranian people will never surrender. The Americans must understand that any military intervention will inflict irreversible damage."

Khamenei, in power since 1989 and the final arbiter of all matters of state in Iran, has made few public pronouncements since Israel launched its assault on Friday.

Will not surrender, said a resolute Iran's Supreme Leader in response to Donald Trump's demand of unconditional surrender. 

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly warm to using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities and souring on the idea of a diplomatic solution to end Tehran’s escalating conflict with Israel, two officials familiar with the ongoing discussions told CNN.

The new, more hawkish posture represents a significant shift in Trump’s thinking, though the sources said Trump remains open to a diplomatic solution — if Iran makes significant concessions.