Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly stated on Wednesday that Tehran has no fear of President Trump’s “absurd rhetoric,” rejecting U.S. demands for Iran to surrender amidst its conflict with Israel.

“The US President threatens us. With his absurd rhetoric, he demands that the Iranian people surrender to him. They should threaten those afraid of threats. The Iranian nation isn’t intimidated by such threats,” Khamenei proclaimed via a statement on social media.

He emphasized that Iran will never capitulate and warned that any US attack would result in “serious irreparable consequences.”

“US involvement in this matter only harms itself. The damage it will endure will far outweigh any harm Iran might face,” he added.

He also hinted at alleged US and Zionist involvement in regional activities, suggesting suspicion that their recent actions are intertwined with malicious motives, and stating these suspicions grow stronger daily.

Khamenei’s comments echoed a speech played on state TV, shortly after Trump issued an aggressive statement calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and claiming to know the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

“We know exactly where the ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe for now. We are not going to target him at this moment,” Trump stated on social media, adding that while they don’t want civilian or American casualties, “our patience is wearing thin.”