Washington, DC [US], June 19 : Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a strong warning against any potential U.S. military intervention in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, firmly rejecting what he described as U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for “unconditional surrender,” according to The New York Times.
In a televised address, Khamenei declared, “Intelligent people who know Iran, the nation and the history of Iran, will never speak to this nation in the language of threats, because the Iranian nation cannot be surrendered.” He further warned, “The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.”
His comments followed reports that President Trump had considered, but temporarily ruled out, the assassination of Khamenei. “Nobody knows what I’m going to do,” Trump said when asked about potential U.S. involvement in Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
Amid the escalating conflict, signals from both sides remain mixed. Trump claimed Iran had reached out to explore talks and left open the possibility of a new nuclear deal. “Nothing’s too late,” he stated, hinting at diplomatic re-engagement.
However, Iran’s UN mission strongly denied any such outreach, issuing a defiant statement: “No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House. Iran does NOT negotiate under duress, shall NOT accept peace under duress, and certainly NOT with a has-been warmonger clinging to relevance.”
Yet behind the scenes, diplomacy may still be in motion. A senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official, speaking anonymously to The New York Times, indicated that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi could be open to U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks with Israel. Adding to speculation, three Iranian government and commercial aircraft reportedly landed in Oman—known for its mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington. The identities of the passengers remain undisclosed.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its military offensive, reportedly striking over 50 targets in Tehran alone. According to The New York Times, Israeli airstrikes have killed several high-ranking Iranian military officers and nuclear scientists, targeting missile launch sites and key nuclear infrastructure, including centrifuge facilities.
Iran retaliated with a series of ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets. While Israeli air defenses intercepted most projectiles, the exchange has further destabilized the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, revealing they had a “very warm conversation” the previous night.
As hostilities escalate, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has begun facilitating the evacuation of American citizens from Israel. Despite mounting threats, many Israelis continue to support their government’s military actions, viewing them as necessary steps to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat.