Amid Israel-Iran Conflict, Khamenei Warns Of ‘Irreparable Damage’ If US Intervenes Militarily

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel’s defense forces carried out a large-scale aerial assault on Tehran early Wednesday (18 June), striking around 20 locations associated with Iran’s missile development infrastructure, Indian Express reported.

The operation involved around 50 fighter jets, and massive explosions were reported from both the western and eastern districts of the Iranian capital.

Authorities urged residents in vulnerable zones to evacuate, leading to scenes of panic and traffic congestion across Tehran overnight.

The Israeli strikes come in response to Iran’s continued missile launches, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming it used hypersonic weapons in its latest barrage on Israeli territory.

The Israeli Home Front Command reported multiple impacts and missile interceptions across the northern and central regions, prompting thousands of civilians to take shelter.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a nationally televised address, vowed resistance against what he called “aggression and pressure,” firmly rejecting any peace overtures or calls for surrender.

“The Iranian nation will not surrender,” Khamenei said.

“Any US military intervention will bring irreparable damage," he added.

Iranian state television broadcast images of protests and emergency drills as signs of growing readiness amid fears of further attacks.

In Geneva, Iran’s UN ambassador warned that the United States would face consequences if it becomes militarily involved, asserting that Washington was already “complicit in what Israel is doing.”

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian contacted counterparts in Russia, China, and Turkey to garner diplomatic backing, with Moscow calling for restraint on both sides.

As the conflict intensifies, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that at least 110 Indian students stranded in Iran were successfully evacuated through Armenia.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran coordinated the movement and has set up a 24/7 emergency helpline.

India’s diplomatic mobility in the region remains constrained, with strained ties with neighboring countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, all of whom have expressed support for Iran in recent forums.

Commercial aviation across West Asia remains heavily disrupted.

Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India have announced suspension of flights over Iranian airspace, rerouting planes via Central Asia.