Iran rejects talks with US following Khamenei’s death; Larijani blames Trump for regional turmoil
Condemning US actions in the region, Larijani accused US President Donald Trump of pursuing an “Israel-first” agenda, asserting that Iran did not initiate hostilities.
Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, on Monday categorically rejected claims that Tehran is seeking to negotiate with the United States. He asserted that Iran will have no negotiations with the US.
— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 2, 2026
Trump betrayed ‘America First’ to adopt ‘Israel First’
Condemning US actions in the region, Larijani blamed US President Donald Trump for creating chaos and endangering American troops. He also accused the US of pursuing an “Israel-first” agenda, asserting that Iran did not initiate hostilities.
“With his delusional actions, he turned his self-made ‘America First’ slogan into ‘Israel First’ and sacrificed American soldiers for Israel’s power-hungry ambitions… and with new fabrications, it is once again imposing the cost of assassinating its own character on American soldiers and families. Today, the Iranian nation is defending itself. The armed forces of Iran did not initiate the aggression,” Larijani wrote on social media.
ترامپ با “آرزوهای واهی” منطقه را به آشوب کشاند و حالا نگران تلفات بیشتر نیروهای امریکایی است.
وی با عملکرد متوهمانه، شعار خودساخته “اول امریکا” را به “اول اسرائیل” تبدیل کرد و سربازان امریکایی را فدای قدرت طلبی اسرائیل نمود… ۱/۲
— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 2, 2026
Provisional Leadership Council holds second meeting
Earlier today, Iran’s Provisional Leadership Council convened its second session, reported the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
The meeting was attended by President Masoud Pezekshian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.
The interim council was formed following the assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei under Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, a series of US-Israeli strikes.
The row escalated after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his administration was exploring the legal powers available if the Israeli Prime Minister visited the city, drawing a sharp response from both Washington and Jerusalem.
The new duties, announced under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, will apply to hundreds of Canadian products in 30 days, with exemptions for energy, potash, critical minerals and several other categories.
Explosions were reported across southern and central Iran after the US announced a new military offensive, while Kuwait activated air defences and regional tensions continued to spread.