Iran’s supreme leader: We will never surrender

Defence affairs

Iran’s supreme leader has vowed his country will “never surrender” in a direct rebuke to Donald Trump.

The statement from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, broadcast on Iranian state TV, also warned that “any form of US military intervention will undoubtedly be met with irreparable harm”.

“This nation will never surrender to imposition from anyone.”

It came after the American president said on Tuesday that the US would not “take out” Khamenei “at least not for now”, as he considers joining Israel’s military campaign against Tehran.

American officials told The Telegraph that Mr Trump was more bullish about joining the conflict, which has been less deadly than feared.

In response, Tehran could target American forces in Iraq first, then expand attacks to other Arab countries hosting US bases, two senior Iranian officials told the New York Times.

Russia, a key strategic partner of Iran, warned Mr Trump against joining Israel’s military campaign, saying it could radically destabilise the Middle East.