New Delhi: Hours after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that Iran will not surrender as Israel made a big mistake by attacking his country, more missiles hit Tehran on Wednesday afternoon.
As the war between Iran and Israel entered its sixth day, a series of strong blasts were heard in east Tehran. At least five columns of smoke were visible in the east and southeast regions of the Iranian capital, with blasts reported around 3.50 pm local time (5.50 pm IST), reported AFP.
Israeli military claimed responsibility for attacking military targets.
“The IAF (Israeli Air Force) is currently striking military targets belonging to the Iranian Regime in Tehran,” Israel Defense Forces wrote on its official X handle a few minutes ago.
The fresh attack was launched shortly after Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender.
In his first televised address to the nation after Israel attacked Iran, Khameini said no way will Tehran surrender or accept an imposed peace or war.
“Our armed forces are ready to defend the homeland, supported by officials and all segments of the nation. The Americans should know that the Iranian nation will not surrender and that any military intervention by them will undoubtedly cause irreparable damage,” the 86-year-old said.
Warning Israel of dire consequences, Khameini said: “The Zionist regime made a big mistake and will be punished for its actions. Our people will not spare the blood of their martyrs and will not stop violating their country’s airspace.”
Donald Trump’s threat
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump on Tuesday warned Iran that it had total control over the skies of Tehran and also information on the whereabouts of Khamenei.
“We are not going to take him out (kill!) — at least not for now. Our patience is wearing thin,” the US President stated, before demanding Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” minutes later.
Khamenei responded, “The battle begins. Ali returns to Khaybar.”
Iran’s supreme leader pointed out that Israel’s attack on Iran took place at a time when Iranian officials were engaged in negotiations with the US side.
“During the negotiations, there was no indication from Iran that there was a military move or a harsh move. Of course, it was suspected from the beginning that America was involved in this malicious move by the Zionist regime; but with these recent statements, this suspicion is growing stronger day by day,” Khamenei said.
US-Iran talks on a nuclear deal have collapsed since the Israeli attack.
