At around 0:00 on June 18 (local time), Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a strong warning to Israel on social network X, stating: "War has begun" with a sketch of a man holding a sword stepping into a castle-like gate, with fire rising in the sky.
Shortly after, leader Khamenei continued to send another warning to Israel, affirming that Iran would respond strongly, without giving in.
This is the first time Mr. Khamenei has spoken out since US President Donald Trump issued a strong threat to Iran.
On June 17, Mr. Trump said that Tehran's defense systems, including advanced tracking devices, cannot compare with US-made military technology in the context of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
writing on the social network Truth Social, Mr. Trump warned that Washington's patience is gradually running out.
According to observers, President Trump's comments show a tougher stance towards Iran when considering whether to increase US presence.
Not stopping there, the US leader also revealed that he knew the "hiding place" of the Iranian leader but had no intention of removing Mr. Khamenei at this time.
A few minutes after the warning post, the US President continued to demand that Iran surrender unconditionally.
According to some sources familiar with the matter, the US is deploying more fighter jets to the Middle East and extending the deployment time of other fighter jets. Trump is also said to be reviewing all the available potential options to destroy Iran's underground nuclear facilities.
