Iran Khamenei rejects Trump's demand for capitulation
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected US President Donald Trump's demand for an unconditional surrender of his country. At the same time, he warned the United States against military intervention in the conflict.
18.06.2025, 15:55
SDA
Explosions could also be heard in the Iranian capital Tehran on the sixth day of the war between Israel and Iran. Eyewitnesses reported several explosions in the north-east of the metropolis of millions and heavy anti-aircraft fire. There were initially no reports of casualties or damage. Israel's army confirmed that the Israeli air force was "currently attacking military targets of the Iranian regime in Tehran".
According to Israel, uranium centrifuges and several weapons factories were targeted in attacks during the night. In addition, more than 40 military targets in western Iran were attacked. However, the Israeli army also admitted to shooting down one of its drones for the first time.
Khamenei warns of "irreparable damage"
"The Iranian people are determined and will resist both an imposed war and an imposed peace," said Khamenei in a televised speech.
He urgently warned the USA against military intervention in the conflict. According to the Iranian head of state, this would cause "irreparable damage".
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump had blatantly threatened Khamenei. "We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding," Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform. "He is an easy target." For now, however, Khamenei is safe there. "We are not going to take him out (kill him!), at least not right now."
Trump warned Iran against firing missiles at civilians or US soldiers and warned: "Our patience is wearing thin." In another post, Trump wrote - probably addressed to Iran - in capital letters: "Unconditional surrender!"
Russia warns USA against direct attacks on Iran
The Russian Foreign Ministry also warned the US against direct intervention. "That would be a radically destabilizing step for the entire situation," said Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. Even speculation in this direction is very dangerous, said the diplomat.
US media: Israel's interceptor missiles are running out
According to US media reports, interceptor missiles for the Israeli Arrow defense system could soon be in short supply. The US has been aware of the capacity problems for months, the Wall Street Journal quoted a US official as saying. Washington has therefore strengthened Israel's defense with systems on the ground, at sea and in the air and has sent additional missile defense systems to the region since June.
A source informed about the assessments of US and Israeli intelligence services also expressed concern about Israel's defense capability in the "Washington Post": Israel's defense capability can only be maintained at its current level for another ten or twelve days. However, it is unknown what quantities of ammunition Iran still has up its sleeve. There is speculation that stocks are already significantly depleted.
Isolated calls for protest
Meanwhile, life in Tehran has largely come to a standstill. Stores remain closed. Banks are open, but are unable to disburse cash, according to a dpa reporter on the ground.
Iranian media also reported that several banks were having problems paying out foreign currency, but described this as a temporary problem. Despite many pharmacies being closed, the government claimed that there would be no shortages in the supply of medicines.
According to dpa information, there have also been isolated calls for protests against the government. Residents of larger apartment blocks often go up to the roofs after Israeli bombings to see where the strikes occurred. Shouts of "Marg bar Khamenei" (death to Khamenei) are then heard again and again. When security forces arrive, people quickly retreat to their homes after such "rooftop protests".
According to the Tasnim news agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards, President Massud Peseshkian called on the people to unite. "As long as we have the people behind us, we won't have any problems," Peseshkian was quoted as saying. It was therefore all the more important to maintain national unity. Then any crisis could be overcome, the head of government continued.
According to local observers, speculation about an imminent coup is premature. It is true that a call for this from the exiled son of the last Shah of Persia, Reza Pahlavi, has attracted attention. However, he is also controversial because of his father and there have been no protests on the streets so far.
