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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday, June 18, declared that “the battle begins,” issuing a stern warning to Israel’s “terrorist Zionist regime” amid intensifying regional tensions. Khamenei's post came following escalating threats from US President Donald Trump, who had just hours before called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender."

Moments later, Khamenei posted on X, “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.” The statement came shortly after Iran launched two rounds of ballistic missiles at Israel early Wednesday.

Khamenei’s posts appeared to frame the attacks as part of a broader ideological struggle. In Farsi, he posted “the battle begins”, alongside an image of a man with a sword entering a castle gate, alluding to the historic battle of Khaybar, as per the Times of Israel.

Trump earlier had claimed the United States had full control of Iranian airspace and warned that the country’s top leader was within reach. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump had wrote.

“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” He later followed up with a post calling for Iran's “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

Meanwhile, Iran and Israel launched new missile strikes at each other on Wednesday as the air war between the two longtime enemies entered a sixth day.

The Israeli military said two barrages of Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel in the first two hours of Wednesday morning. Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv.

Israel told residents in the area of Tehran to evacuate so its air force could strike Iranian military installations. Iranian news websites said explosions were heard in Tehran and the city of Karaj west of the capital.

Mangaluru, June 13: Amid growing concerns over simmering communal tensions in Karnataka’s coastal heartland, the state government has rolled out a bold new initiative — the Special Action Force (SAF) — an elite, rapid-response unit aimed at restoring peace and reinforcing public trust.

Launched by Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara on Friday, the SAF is not just another addition to the police force — it is being positioned as a shield against divisive forces that threaten the fragile harmony of regions like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga.

“This is not just a force—it’s a promise. A promise that Karnataka will not surrender its peace to hatred,” said Dr. Parameshwara, addressing officials, media, and community leaders during the inauguration.

What is SAF?

The SAF is the first-of-its-kind in India — a specially trained, multi-tiered force consisting of 258 personnel, deployed strategically across the three coastal districts. Each district will have its own dedicated company comprising 78 officers. From DIGP, SP, DySP, Assistant Commandants to inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables, the unit is built for precision, discipline, and immediate action.

Modeled partly after the Anti-Naxal Force, the SAF will function autonomously and tactically — intervening during communal flare-ups, acting on intelligence alerts, and de-escalating tensions before violence erupts.

Why Now?

Dr. Parameshwara didn’t mince words: “When I visited Mangaluru last, I sensed the growing undercurrents of hate. The situation was managed temporarily, but it was clear that a long-term structure was needed. Some elements choose violence over dialogue. To them, SAF is our response.”

He lamented that despite repeated appeals for peace, vested interests continued to disrupt harmony. “This isn’t just about law enforcement. It’s about protecting Karnataka’s soul,” he emphasized.

The home minister also pointed to the police department’s strong performance, including a 99% murder case resolution rate, and recent efforts to strengthen cybercrime capabilities through dedicated training centers for constables.

Voices of Support

Backing the move, District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao called the SAF a “timely and necessary intervention.”

“Communalism is the only blemish on Dakshina Kannada’s rich legacy. But this initiative will be welcomed by 95% of the people. The rest must decide whether they want peace — or consequences,” he said, announcing a peace meeting in the coming fortnight under the leadership of Dr. Parameshwara.

More Than Security — A Step Towards Dignity

The day also marked the inauguration of newly constructed police quarters in Mangaluru and Beltangady, a significant morale booster for police families.

Built at a combined cost of ₹21 crore, the facilities include 64 flats in Mangaluru (covering 58,500 sq ft) and 24 in Beltangady (10,544 sq ft), each featuring 2BHK layouts with modern amenities like modular kitchens, ensuring dignified living standards for frontline officers.

The launch event was attended by top-ranking officials and dignitaries including: DG & IGP M A Saleem, IGP Western Range Amith Singh, Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, SP Dr. Arun Kumar, MLCs Ivan D’Souza and Manjunath Bhandary, and Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan, among others.

Tehran, June 18: Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in a message on Wednesday, said the Iranian nation will “firmly stand against” an imposed war.

In a televised message, amid the continued Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei said the Iranian nation will never surrender to “any form of imposition.”

In the wake of continued Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution commended the Iranian people for their “composed, courageous, and timely” conduct.

He said the brave response of people reflected the nation’s growing maturity, as well as its spiritual and intellectual strength.

“The Iranian nation will firmly stand against an imposed war, just as it will resolutely resist an imposed peace,” he said in a televised message.

“This is a nation that will never surrender to any form of imposition.”

Referring to the recent war-mongering rhetoric of US President Donald Trump, Ayatollah Khamenei warned against any American military intervention.

“Those with wisdom, who truly understand Iran, its people, and its long history, never speak to this nation with the language of threats. Iran will not yield,” he asserted.

“The Americans must understand—any US military incursion will undoubtedly lead to irreversible consequences.”

Leader's latest message came as the Israeli-imposed war against the Iranian nation entered its sixth day on Wednesday. The unprovoked war was launched on Friday. leading to the assassination of many senior-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians.

The wanton aggression has only continued and escalated in the past five days.

Iranian retaliatory operation, dubbed 'True Promise III', was launched on Friday evening, targeting numerous strategic and sensitive military intelligence targets of the Israeli regime.

The eleven phases of the operation have caused heavy blows to the regime, and instilled a sense of fear among settlers who have been hiding in underground tunnels.

On Tuesday, Trump again resorted to saber-rattling against Iran, accusing it of pursuing nuclear weapons. Iranian officials maintain that the country is not in the race for nuclear arms but stands ready to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Islamic Republic.