DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s supreme leader dismissed U.S. demands for submission amid continued Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday and warned that any American military action would result in serious consequences. Meanwhile, European diplomats planned to meet with Iran for talks on Friday.This marked Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s second appearance since the Israeli strikes began six days prior, coinciding with Israel easing some daily restrictions, indicating a reduction in the immediate missile threat.
Khamenei’s remarks followed a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump calling for Iran’s unconditional surrender and asserting the U.S. knew Khamenei’s location but had no plans to target him “at least not for now.” Although Trump initially distanced the U.S. from Israel’s strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, he later suggested greater American involvement and emphasized a desire for a resolution beyond a ceasefire. The U.S. has since deployed additional military assets to the region.
Senior European diplomats were scheduled to engage in nuclear discussions with Iran on Friday in Geneva. According to a European official, representatives from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the EU’s top diplomat would participate. The U.S. was not expected to join, although that might change, another American official said.
Separately, the UN Security Council planned a second emergency session on the Israel-Iran conflict for Friday, requested by Russia, China, and Pakistan. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed mediation, suggesting a possible agreement where Iran could continue peaceful nuclear activities while addressing Israeli concerns.In a video message to Israelis, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, describing him as a loyal ally and praising the U.S. for aiding Israel’s air defenses. He said the two leaders spoke frequently, including the night before.
Khamenei dismissed Trump’s warnings, calling them baseless. “People who understand Iran and its history never use threats with this nation, because it is not one that yields,” he said in a low-resolution video. “The Americans must realize that any military involvement will inflict irreversible harm on them.”
His statement was released before the video aired, possibly as a security precaution. The video’s setting offered no clues to his location, showing only beige curtains, an Iranian flag, and a portrait of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.Earlier in the day, an Iranian diplomat warned that U.S. intervention risked a full-scale war. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate, though U.S. forces stationed in nearby countries remain within Iran’s missile range. Another Iranian official reiterated Iran’s commitment to enriching uranium for peaceful purposes, dismissing U.S. demands to end its nuclear program.
Later Wednesday, Iranian state TV reported a cyberattack by Israel. Viewers briefly saw an anti-government video urging protests. Once normal programming resumed, a message blamed the disruption on the “Zionist regime.”
Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israel carried out three waves of airstrikes over the past 24 hours, targeting more than 60 locations in Tehran and western Iran.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes targeted the headquarters of Iran’s internal security forces, indicating a new focus on domestic institutions that suppress dissent.Iranian police acknowledged the strikes on their central command in Tehran, reporting injuries but not providing numbers. The UN’s nuclear agency confirmed Israeli attacks on two centrifuge-production facilities in the area.
Israel began another round of airstrikes Thursday in Tehran and other locations, with no further details given. Its campaign has focused on nuclear and military sites, leading to the deaths of top generals and nuclear scientists. A human rights organization based in Washington reported 639 deaths in Iran, including 263 civilians, and more than 1,300 injuries.In response, Iran has launched around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel and wounding many more. Some strikes damaged apartment buildings in central Israel.
Israeli forces intercepted several missiles overnight and more on Wednesday evening. Though sirens prompted residents to seek shelter, no injuries were reported. Iran’s missile attacks have decreased, with no explanation given. Israel claims to have hit key launch sites and related infrastructure.
Two U.S. officials said American diplomats and their families were evacuated from the U.S. Embassy in Israel. Some departed on a government aircraft shortly before the ambassador announced evacuation plans for American civilians.By Wednesday, Israel relaxed some emergency measures, allowing small gatherings and reopening workplaces with nearby shelters.
The Washington-based group Human Rights Activists identified 263 civilians and 154 security personnel among those killed in Iran. The group cross-referenced local reports with sources inside the country. Iran has not provided frequent casualty updates, with the latest figures released Monday reporting 224 deaths and 1,277 injuries.
Internet service in Iran crashed on Wednesday, following days of disruption. Monitoring group NetBlocks reported a near-complete blackout. The Communications Ministry said access was being restricted to prevent Israeli exploitation of the network.
Shops remained shut across Tehran, including in the Grand Bazaar. Residents were seen queuing for fuel and fleeing the city. Witnesses reported multiple large explosions in central Tehran around 8 p.m., with white smoke rising. One strike appeared to target the Hakimiyeh district, home to a Revolutionary Guard academy.Israel claims its strikes aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, citing lack of progress in U.S.-Iran talks over the past two months. Trump noted that Israel’s campaign followed the expiration of a 60-day deadline he had set for negotiations.
Source : https://apnews.com/
