Hours after Tehran rejected the United States’ ceasefire proposal, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei launched a sharp attack on Washington and its allies, striking a defiant tone as the conflict escalated. He warned that threats, strikes and targeted killings of IRGC commanders would not weaken Iranian armed forces.
His remarks came as Israel said it had killed the head of intelligence for Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Major General Majid Khademi, according to its defence minister. It also said it killed Asghar Bakeri, the leader of the Revolutionary Guard’s undercover unit in its expeditionary Quds Force.
In a statement on Telegram, Mojtaba Khamenei also hit out at US threats to push Iran back to the “Stone Age”, saying such rhetoric reflected a reckless approach. He accused the US and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure and insisted that despite mounting pressure, Iran’s military strength would remain intact.
He accused the US and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power plants and schools, calling such actions “manifestations of a crime against humanity that the US government and the murderous Israeli regime have committed”.
“It is a pity that they are beating the drum of war, threats, and destruction more and more every day, while international institutions remain silent and indifferent, and perhaps even complicit in the aggression,” he said.
TRUMP SETS TUESDAY AS FINAL DEADLINE FOR IRAN
US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his ultimatum to Iran, saying Tuesday’s deadline to reach a deal is final, while warning that the country could face overwhelming military action if it fails to comply. Speaking at a press conference, Trump said the US has the capability to inflict massive damage in a short time frame, suggesting that action could come as soon as Tuesday evening.
Trump said Iran has been given multiple chances to reach an agreement but has failed to act. He warned that if no deal is reached, the US could target key infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, adding that the situation could escalate rapidly.
He also reiterated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains central to Washington’s demands, with the strategic waterway continuing to be a flashpoint in the conflict.
IRAN REJECTS TRUCE, SEEKS LONG-TERM DEAL
Iran has pushed back, rejecting a US ceasefire proposal and instead calling for a broader settlement. According to state media, Tehran has conveyed its response through Pakistan, making it clear that it is not interested in a temporary truce. The proposal outlines a 10-point framework, including a permanent end to the war across the region, recognition of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of sanctions.
Tensions have further escalated after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed retaliation for the killing of its intelligence chief, Major General Majid Khademi. “The malicious and desperate enemy should know that a major retaliatory strike by the IRGC Intelligence Organisation, under Operation ‘Crushing Revenge,’ awaits the planners and perpetrators of this crime,” the IRGC said in a statement.
