Iran Refuses to Surrender as Trump Mulls Strike: Tensions Surge in Middle East Conflict

“We control the skies over Tehran,” says Netanyahu, while Trump weighs joining Israel’s war effort. Iran vows retaliation, warns of “irreparable damage” if U.S. intervenes.

The conflict between Iran and Israel has entered a perilous new stage, as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly rejected Donald Trump’s call for “unconditional surrender,” and warned that any U.S. intervention would trigger devastating consequences.

“The Iranian nation is not one to surrender… any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage,” Khamenei declared in a televised address.

Meanwhile, former President Trump confirmed that Iranian officials had requested a meeting in Washington, but said it was “a little late” for diplomacy. Speaking from the White House, Trump said:

“They want to come. I may do that. But it’s not easy. They can’t get out. And frankly, my patience has run out.”

Key Developments:

Israel’s air force launched three waves of strikes on Iran over the past 24 hours, targeting missile production sites and centrifuge facilities in and around Tehran.
Iran retaliated, launching 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones, killing 24 civilians in Israel, marking the first direct missile exchange between the two nations in decades.
Tehran’s air defenses were activated Wednesday night, with state media confirming active engagement with hostile targets.
Internet access in Iran was cut off nationwide, a move Tehran said was necessary for national security.
Trump said he has not made a final decision on US military involvement, but confirmed a meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room.
Israel destroyed Iran’s National Police HQ, and claimed control over Tehran’s airspace. Netanyahu praised Trump for standing “by our side.”
The US evacuated embassy staff from Israel on military aircraft and is planning civilian evacuation efforts via cruise ships and flights.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister warned that if the US joined the conflict militarily, “we have no choice but to retaliate.”

image - Finblog — Iran had over <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-conflict-06-18-25-intl-hnk" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" title="1,300 ">1300 </a>advanced centrifuges used for enriching uranium in the years prior to the Iran nuclear deal While the agreement was in place there were fewer than 50 advanced centrifuges in Iran After President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the deal Iran ramped up centrifuge installations

Trump’s Ultimatum & Conflicting Intel

Trump repeatedly insisted Iran was “weeks away” from building a nuclear weapon and hinted at potential strikes on facilities like Fordow, but US intelligence assessments contradict this timeline.

“Iran is not building a nuclear weapon, and Khamenei has not authorized a program,” testified Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in March.

Nonetheless, Trump said:

“Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. Too much devastation. And they’d use it.”

Regional Chaos & Civilian Toll

In Tehran, thousands of residents fled the city after Israeli air raids, with highways gridlocked and fuel stations overwhelmed.

“We’re just civilians. Why are we paying the price for the regime’s decision to pursue a nuclear program?” said Arezou, 31, who fled to Lavasan.

In Israel, citizens sheltered from Iranian missiles, including a Ukrainian family who had fled war for leukemia treatment — only to be killed in a strike near Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, Putin offered to mediate the crisis. Trump rejected the idea: “Mediate your own. Mediate Russia first,” he reportedly told the Russian leader.

Congress Divided, Markets on Edge

While Republicans like Lindsey Graham support military action (“if diplomacy fails, you use force”), others such as Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Tim Burchett are calling for restraint.

“We don’t need another endless war in the Middle East,” said Burchett. “Old men make decisions and young men die.”

Meanwhile, oil prices surged 9%, and defense stocks rallied amid fears of deeper US involvement.

What’s Next?

Trump hinted the next week would be critical, telling reporters:

“I like to make the final decision one second before it’s due. Especially with war — things change.”

But analysts warn that a strike on Iran’s nuclear sites — especially Fordow — could open “Pandora’s box,” consume Trump’s presidency, and trigger global instability.