Fact Check: "Iran's leader vows not to surrender amid U.S. threats."
What We Know
On June 18, 2025, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly rejected calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to surrender unconditionally amid escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel. Khamenei stated, "the Iranian nation is not one to surrender," emphasizing that any military intervention by the U.S. would lead to "irreparable damage" to American interests (AP News). This statement came shortly after Trump had made a social media post demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender" and warning Khamenei that the U.S. was aware of his location but had no immediate plans to take lethal action against him (Reuters).
Khamenei's remarks were part of a broader context of military conflict, where Israeli forces had been conducting airstrikes against Iranian targets, and tensions were heightened due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Khamenei's statements were reported widely, with various outlets noting his firm stance against U.S. threats and the assertion that Iran would not capitulate (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Iran's leader vowed not to surrender is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Khamenei's declaration was clear and unequivocal, as he dismissed Trump's demands and reiterated that the Iranian people would not yield to threats. The context of his statements, made during a period of heightened military conflict, adds weight to the seriousness of his remarks (National Review).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this claim is generally high. Major news organizations such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and The New York Times have established reputations for thorough reporting and fact-checking. These outlets provided consistent coverage of Khamenei's statements, ensuring that the information was corroborated across different platforms. Additionally, the statements were made in a public setting, which lends further credibility to their authenticity (The Hill).
However, it is important to note that while Khamenei's statements reflect the official position of the Iranian government, they are also part of a broader narrative that may be influenced by political motivations. The rhetoric surrounding military conflicts often involves hyperbolic language intended to bolster national pride and unity. Nonetheless, the core of Khamenei's message—that Iran will not surrender—remains consistent across multiple reports.
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran's leader vows not to surrender amid U.S. threats" is True. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei explicitly stated that Iran would not capitulate to U.S. demands for surrender, framing the issue within the context of national pride and the consequences of military intervention. His statements were reported by multiple credible sources, confirming the accuracy of the claim.
Sources
- Iran's leader rejects calls to surrender and warns that intervention ... AP News
- Trump keeps world guessing about US military action ... Reuters
- Iran Rejects Trump's Call for 'Surrender' in War With Israel New York Times
- Live Updates: Trump Says 'Nobody Knows' His Plans on Iran New York Times
- Iran: une cyberattaque de grande ampleur paralyse les banques JForum
- Iran supreme leader responds to Trump: 'We will never surrender' The Hill
- Iranian Leader Vows 'Irreparable Damage' If U.S. Directly ... National Review
- Multiples explosions en Iran il y a une heure - JForum JForum
