Iranian leaders have signaled they will continue fighting “as long as needed,” rejecting U.S. demands for surrender as the conflict intensifies. Officials in Tehran say the war will end only when Iran decides, while U.S. leaders insist the campaign will continue until Iran no longer poses a major military threat.

The escalating standoff comes amid some of the heaviest strikes yet on Iranian territory, with thousands of military targets already hit and retaliatory attacks spreading across the Gulf region. Analysts warn the exchange of threats between Tehran and Washington risks prolonging the war and widening its global economic impact.

Senior Iranian officials have also issued sharp warnings toward U.S. leadership, dismissing threats from Washington and signaling continued resistance despite sustained military pressure. The confrontation has heightened fears of further escalation and instability across the Middle East.