5 hours ago
Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 06:59 IST
Khamenei announced that the battle has begun, after US President Donald Trump stated that the US knows where Khamenei is hiding amid the Iran-Israel conflict.
A file photo of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AP)
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday, in a message on X, wrote that the battle has begun.
“In the name of Nami, the battle begins. Ali returns to Khaybar with his Zulfiqar," a translation of his post suggested.
Khamenei’s post came hours after US President Donald Trump said Tuesday the US knows where Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei is hiding during the Israel-Iran conflict but doesn’t want him killed “for now."
Trump urged, in a social media posting, Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER" as the five-day conflict continues to escalate.
“We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding," Trump said.
“He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin." Trump added.
Before his social media post, Trump had urged Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee for their lives as he cut short his participation in an international summit to return to Washington for urgent talks with his national security team.
The comments about Khamenei and calls for surrender came shortly after Trump, in a separate posting, touted complete control of the skies over Tehran.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
News world 'Battle Has Begun': Khamenei After Trump's Threats Of Possible US Attack Amid Conflict
