Khamenei’s Stern Response to Trump’s Threats Sparks Global Alarm
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a strong and direct response to recent threats made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a post shared from Khamenei’s official account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he stated unequivocally, “There will be no mercy for the Zionists.” This marks his first comment following Trump’s remarks regarding Khamenei's whereabouts.
On Tuesday, June 17, Khamenei posted a striking message in response to Trump’s statements: “In the name of the honorable Haider, the war has begun.” The explosive declaration signaled not only preparations for a potential conflict with the United States but also pointed to a broader confrontation with Israel. The post rapidly went viral, stirring heightened tensions in international diplomatic circles.
Trump had earlier made a series of provocative posts on X. In one such post, he wrote, “We know where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target.” He added, “We’re not taking him out yet — at least not right now.” Alongside this, Trump issued stern military warnings against Iran, claiming, “Iranian airspace is under our control. Unconditional surrender!” Analysts interpret this as a de facto declaration of war.
Reacting to these remarks, Iran’s Supreme Leader retorted with unwavering resolve, stating, “We must respond forcefully against the terrorist Zionist regime. There will be no mercy for the Zionists.”
Trump’s direct threats, coupled with Khamenei’s apparent call to arms, have triggered renewed geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Iran had earlier vowed to retaliate against Israel’s recent airstrikes. However, Trump's assertions about knowing Khamenei’s exact location and threatening to target him have escalated the matter beyond diplomacy, bringing the possibility of military confrontation into sharper focus.
Amid growing fears of escalation, reports on the morning of Wednesday, June 18, indicated that at least four F-35 fighter jets had departed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath in eastern England.
Additionally, B-2 Spirit bombers, which are capable of targeting deeply buried facilities within Iranian territory, have reportedly been stationed at a base within 4,000 kilometers of Iran in the Indian Ocean. These aircraft were reportedly accompanied by an aerial refueling tanker.
Over the past three days, at least 30 U.S. military aircraft have been moved from the United States to various bases across Spain, Scotland, and England, indicating a potential buildup of Western military assets in anticipation of further developments.
