Ayatollah Khamenei: Iran Will Stand Firm Against Imposed War; Warns U.S. Against Military Intervention

Tehran, 18 June 2025 – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has issued a stern warning against any foreign military intervention, declaring that the Iranian nation will “firmly stand against” any imposed war and will not bow to pressure or threats.

In a televised message aired on Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed the Iranian people amid ongoing Israeli aggression, praising the nation’s unity, resilience, and strategic patience in the face of mounting hostilities.

“The Iranian nation will never surrender to any form of imposition,” he said. “It will stand resolutely against an imposed war, just as it will resist an imposed peace.”

The remarks come as the Israeli-imposed war against Iran enters its sixth consecutive day. The unprovoked attack, which began last Friday, has led to the assassination of several high-ranking Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. In response, Iran launched “True Promise III,” a large-scale retaliatory military operation targeting sensitive Israeli military and intelligence infrastructure.

According to Iranian defense sources, the eleven-phase operation has inflicted significant damage and heightened anxiety among Israeli settlers, many of whom have reportedly taken refuge in underground shelters.

Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the ongoing aggression and commended the Iranian public for their “composed, courageous, and timely” conduct, calling it a reflection of the nation’s maturity and spiritual strength.

In his address, the Leader also responded to recent remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons and hinted at possible U.S. military action.

“Those with wisdom, who truly understand Iran, its people, and its long history, never speak to this nation with the language of threats,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated. “The Americans must understand—any U.S. military incursion will undoubtedly lead to irreversible consequences.”

Iranian officials continue to assert that the Islamic Republic is not seeking nuclear weapons but is fully prepared to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The escalating conflict has drawn global attention, with several world leaders urging de-escalation and restraint. However, Tehran has reiterated that it will not tolerate further aggression and will respond proportionately to any violation of its sovereignty.

As the crisis deepens, Iran’s leadership remains defiant, vowing to protect the nation’s dignity and independence at all costs.