Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday declared that “the battle begins,” issuing a stern warning to Israel’s “terrorist Zionist regime” amid intensifying middle eastern tensions. Khamenei’s post came following escalating threats from US President Donald Trump, who had called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Moments later, Khamenei posted on X, We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.” The statement came immediately after Iran launched two rounds of ballistic missiles at Israel early Wednesday.