Iran is reeling from what it calls a shocking and “bitter” attack that killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a televised interview, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, lashed out at the United States and Israel, accusing both countries of orchestrating the strike and promising fierce retaliation.
Larijani described the incident as “extremely painful for the Iranian nation,” saying it struck at the heart of the people. “The United States and the Zionists have burned the heart of the Iranian people, and we will burn their hearts,” he said.
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Accusations and alleged plot
According to Larijani, Iran’s adversaries had been trying for years to weaken the country, first through economic pressure and then by trying to stir internal unrest. He said foreign powers hoped to divide Iranians and prepare the ground for a final blow against the country’s leadership.
“They planned to sow discord and eliminate national unity,” Larijani stated, “but the Iranian people’s awareness and resilience neutralised their plans.”
Larijani also claimed that military experts had warned that direct strikes against Iran would fail, citing two pillars of the nation’s strength: “a vigilant and fearless population” and “a wise leadership capable of neutralising such plots.”
He suggested that US President Donald Trump himself had acknowledged Iranian resilience, quoting Steve Witkoff, an adviser to Trump, who allegedly said that Trump was in surprise the people of Iran did not yield despite immense pressure.
“The enemies concluded that as long as Khamenei remained in leadership, their strategies would fail. They therefore decided to target him first,” Larijani said.
Blaming Washington and Tel Aviv
Larijani did not hold back in criticizing US and Israeli motives. He described Trump as “a symbol of plunder,” claiming US foreign policy was driven by resource exploitation and citing Venezuela as an example. He also alleged that Israel seeks to fragment Iran due to its historical and regional significance.
“When a large and historic country like Iran exists in the region, they see no choice but to attempt to fragment it in order to dominate,” he said.
Warning of military retaliation
Larijani made it clear that Iran’s armed forces are ready to respond. “American forces must understand that they have stabbed the heart of the Iranian people. Their own hearts will be stabbed,” he warned.
He said Iran’s military posture is “stronger than ever” and emphasised that Tehran had previously sent warnings to the United States through the Swiss Embassy. Any attack on Iranian territory, he said, would trigger strikes against U.S. bases in the region.
“We have no intention of aggression toward regional neighbors,” Larijani stated. He drew comparisons to past invasions like Saddam Hussein’s attack in 1980. “But if American bases in the region are against us, we will target those bases.”
Armed forces “will not relent”
Larijani stressed that Iran’s armed forces have grown significantly stronger since past conflicts. He said the military had developed “very strong capabilities” during the period between the previous war and the current crisis.
“The armed forces today are resolute. They will not leave the United States alone until Iran achieves a sufficient level of independence. And they will not allow the enemy to repeat such deception,” Larijani declared.
Larijani suggested the alleged attack would actually unite the Iranian people. “Doubt it not. The unity of the Iranian nation will grow stronger. People of Iran will never allow the country to be divided,” he said.
Larijani concluded with a vow that Iran’s armed forces will continue operations until the country’s independence is fully safeguarded. He emphasised that the United States would not be allowed to repeat what he called acts of deception and aggression.
“We told all countries in the region that we do not intend to attack you. But if your bases are used against us and the United States conducts military operations from there, then we will target all of its bases and facilities in the region,” he said.