His comments came a day after Trump declared in a social media post that Iran must surrender and warned that the U.S. knows Khamenei’s location but has no immediate plans to strike

By Titilope Adako

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has rejected demands for unconditional surrender amid continued Israeli airstrikes and rising tensions with the United States.

In a televised address on Wednesday, his second since the conflict began six days ago, Khamenei described U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings as “absurd” and said, “The Iranian nation is not one to surrender… Any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.”

His comments came a day after Trump declared in a social media post that Iran must surrender and warned that the U.S. knows Khamenei’s location but has no immediate plans to strike.

While Trump initially distanced himself from Israel’s surprise offensive last Friday, he has since suggested deeper U.S. involvement, hinting at a broader military campaign and deploying additional aircraft and warships to the region.

As the situation escalated, a live Iranian state television broadcast was abruptly cut off when an explosion rocked central Tehran, an hour after Israel warned residents to evacuate the area.

Glowing lights were seen in the skies above the city in the early hours of Wednesday, followed by multiple blasts.

One explosion reportedly hit Hakimiyeh, home to a Revolutionary Guard academy.

Israel said its latest strikes targeted facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear programme, including a site that produces uranium centrifuges and another for missile components.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog confirmed strikes on two sites around Tehran.

The Israeli military also claimed to have bombed the headquarters of Iran’s internal security forces.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said, “We are degrading Iran’s ability to launch future attacks.”

Israel’s air offensive has so far killed at least 585 people in Iran, including 239 civilians, according to Human Rights Activists, a U.S.-based rights group.

Iran’s last official casualty figure stood at 224 killed and over 1,200 wounded.

Meanwhile, Iran has launched around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, killing at least 24 people and injuring hundreds more in Israel.

Despite ongoing attacks, Israel on Wednesday began easing restrictions on daily life.

Workplaces were allowed to reopen with nearby shelters, and gatherings of up to 30 people resumed, although schools and many businesses remained closed.

In Tel Aviv, civilians took shelter as Iran launched fresh missile barrages.

In one public shelter in Jaffa, a pair of Cuban salsa instructors lightened the mood with an impromptu dance performance, entertaining more than 100 people and several dogs.

Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system intercepted multiple incoming missiles early Wednesday, including those fired over Jerusalem.

The Israeli military noted a decline in Iran’s missile launches in recent days, possibly due to successful strikes on launch sites and infrastructure.

Iran has vowed to continue enriching uranium for peaceful purposes, rejecting Trump’s demand to abandon its nuclear programme.

Speaking in Geneva, Iranian ambassador Ali Bahreini said, “We will continue to produce enriched uranium as needed… Our scientists will continue their work.”

Tehran’s Grand Bazaar remained shut as residents queued for fuel and fled the city.

Israel’s strikes have forced widespread closures, and the air of uncertainty has prompted many Iranians to leave urban centres.

On the Israeli side, international flights resumed at Ben Gurion International Airport after a suspension that left thousands stranded abroad.

Two flights from Cyprus landed on Wednesday.

As funerals continue for victims on both sides, the death of 85-year-old Daisy Yitzhaki in an Iranian missile strike brought hundreds to the Segula Cemetery in Petah Tikva, Israel, for a sombre farewell.

Meanwhile, Iranian military officials warned of a fresh “punitive operation” against Israel, urging residents of Tel Aviv and Jaffa to evacuate.

With no ceasefire in sight, the escalating conflict continues to raise fears of a wider regional war.

AP

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