Iran’s supreme leader on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of more Israeli strikes and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause “irreparable damage to them.”
The second public appearance by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since the Israeli strikes began six days ago came as Israel lifted some restrictions on daily life, suggesting that the missile threat from Iran was easing.
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Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to help mediate an end to the conflict between Israel and Iran, suggesting Moscow could help negotiate a settlement that could allow Tehran to pursue a peaceful atomic program while assuaging Israeli security concerns.
Asked how Russia would react if Israel kills Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mr. Putin refused to answer, saying that “I don’t even want to discuss such a possibility.”
