#IranCrisis: Khamenei Warns Trump of 'Irreparable Harm' as Conflict with Israel Escalates

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stark warning to former U.S. President Donald Trump: any American military intervention in the Iran-Israel conflict would result in “irreparable harm.”

In a televised message broadcast across Iran, Khamenei declared that “Iran will not surrender,” directly rejecting growing speculation that Tehran might seek a truce amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. His words followed a report from CBS News suggesting Trump is actively considering aligning with Israel’s offensive against Iranian nuclear facilities.

A War of Words—and Missiles

In a heated exchange that has spilled into both state media and social platforms, Trump responded defiantly, repeating his demand for “unconditional surrender.” Speaking at the White House, Trump told reporters, “I may do it, I may not do it… Nobody knows what I want to do. But I can say this: Iran’s got a lot of trouble and wants to negotiate.” He later added on Truth Social that the U.S. had “complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” and warned Khamenei directly: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding.”

Khamenei fired back via X (formerly Twitter), saying it is “100% to [America’s] own detriment” to get involved. “The Iranian nation isn’t frightened by such threats,” he wrote, doubling down on resistance and refusing any notion of surrender.

Escalation on the Ground and in the Air

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Israeli forces struck two centrifuge production sites overnight. Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) claim that they have established air superiority, successfully disabling key Iranian air defenses and striking deep into Iranian territory, including military targets around Tehran.

An IDF spokesperson said that intelligence operations and meticulous mapping of Iran’s air defense systems began as early as 2025 and are now yielding results. “We’ve achieved total dominance in key zones,” said Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani. Reports confirm that Israeli jets are operating with minimal resistance, while Iran’s aging air force remains largely grounded.

Yet, Iran showed it still has some capabilities, successfully downing an Israeli drone with a surface-to-air missile, signaling that its ground defenses, though battered, are not fully neutralized.

On the Ground: Iranian Cities Under Strain

Inside Iran, the toll of war is becoming more visible to civilians. In cities like Karaj and Qazvin, food shortages are being reported. Residents describe empty shelves, gas station queues, and a crumbling transport system. Many report that bank cards have stopped working, forcing people to rely on cash.

In contrast, parts of Tehran remain relatively stable. Some residents note essentials like dried fruits and pasta are still available, although panic buying is evident.

Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

In Tel Aviv, a British national described surviving a direct Iranian missile strike. “It was like an apocalypse,” Naomi Brookarsh told the BBC. “The entire building shook… We were saved by the bomb shelter.” Images from the scene show collapsed roofs, shattered windows, and emergency services scrambling to respond.

What’s at Stake?

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz called the recent air dominance a “message of victory,” and hinted at a gradual reopening of the Israeli economy, suggesting a reduced threat level. However, he made clear the conflict is far from over: “The intense fighting will continue until the threats are removed.”

Meanwhile, in the U.K., Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has convened an emergency Cobra meeting to assess the unfolding crisis, signaling that Western nations are bracing for wider implications.

Trump’s Calculated Silence?

Despite public bravado, Trump has yet to announce a definitive military course of action. Insiders suggest his next steps may depend on a mix of military intelligence, political calculations, and pressure from allies.

But one thing is certain—if the U.S. joins the fray, the already volatile conflict could spiral into a broader regional war, with consequences reaching far beyond the Middle East.