Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has firmly rejected US demands for surrender and issued a stark warning that American involvement in the war would result in "irreparable damage." This comes as reports indicate that Iran is making preparations to strike US bases with missiles.

Khamenei criticized Israel for initiating the conflict, emphasizing that the Iranian nation will not back down in the face of threats. He cautioned that any US military intervention would have severe consequences, as stated in a message broadcast on state TV.

The New York Times reported that Tehran is readying missiles and other equipment to target US bases in the region if Washington decides to join the conflict. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has remained ambiguous about the possibility of US involvement, stating that a decision has not been finalized.

Israel initially distanced itself from the war, attributing it to Israeli actions alone. However, recent developments have shown an escalation in both rhetoric and military presence by the Trump administration in the region.

One of the key focal points for US engagement in the conflict is Iran's Fordow nuclear facility. Israeli officials and hawks in Washington have underscored the importance of the US joining the war to target this facility, which poses a significant challenge due to its fortified location.

Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, emphasized that the war was initiated by Israel and indicated that it would not conclude without addressing the Fordow facility. If the US opts out of direct involvement, Israel may consider riskier military options to achieve its objectives.

The conflict has garnered international attention, with Russian President Vladimir Putin offering to mediate between Iran and Israel to prevent further destabilization in the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have also expressed concerns over the escalating tensions.

Despite sustained attacks, Iran's military capabilities remain intact, with both sides sustaining casualties in the conflict. The situation continues to evolve, with implications for regional stability and global security.