In a stark and symbol-laden declaration, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced that the war has commenced, warning that the “terrorist Zionist regime” will face an uncompromising and forceful response. His statement marks the most direct and defiant message from Tehran since the onset of the current regional tensions. In a series of posts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei stated unequivocally, “Iran will show no mercy to the Zionists. A firm and crushing response to the terrorist state is necessary.” In another tweet, he declared, “The war has begun,” a phrase seen by many as both a literal and symbolic invocation of conflict.
One of Khamenei’s posts featured an image laden with historical and religious symbolism: a lone figure wielding a sword entering a fortress-like gate under a sky aflame. Analysts believe the image references the 7th-century Muslim victory at the Jewish fortress of Khaybar, led by Hazrat Ali (RA), a revered figure in Shia Islam. The visual and the language suggest a deliberate attempt to frame the confrontation with Israel as a sacred and decisive battle.
According to The Times of Israel, the reference is widely interpreted as a call to arms rooted in Islamic history, signaling that Iran’s response may go far beyond conventional military rhetoric and could involve broader ideological mobilization.
Khamenei’s pronouncements came in direct response to an earlier message by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who issued a provocative warning on social media, demanding Iran’s unconditional surrender. Trump wrote, “We know where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ (Ayatollah Khamenei) is hiding. He is an easy target well-protected, for now. While we have no immediate plans to eliminate him, that can change. We will not tolerate missile strikes on civilians or U.S. personnel. Our patience is wearing thin.”
The escalation in rhetoric from both sides has raised fears of a broader regional conflict. Khamenei’s latest statements are being viewed as a turning point, marking a shift from strategic restraint to overt confrontation.
This is the Supreme Leader’s first public declaration since the recent crisis began, and his use of evocative religious imagery and absolute language suggests that Iran may be preparing for a prolonged and ideologically framed conflict with Israel. Diplomatic observers warn that the situation could spiral rapidly if rhetoric continues to outpace restraint.
