WANA (Mar 01) – Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said in a televised interview that the reported assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was “an extremely bitter incident” for the Iranian people, accusing the United States and Israel of responsibility and vowing retaliation.

 

“This incident is very painful for the Iranian nation. The United States and the Zionists have burned the heart of the Iranian people — and we will burn their hearts,” Larijani said.

 

He claimed that Iran’s adversaries had long sought to weaken the country through economic pressure but failed due to public resilience. Referring to recent unrest, he alleged that foreign enemies had attempted to create division among Iranians as a prelude to a final blow against the political system.

 

“They planned to sow discord and eliminate national unity in order to prepare the ground for a decisive strike,” he said, adding that the strategy was ultimately neutralized by public awareness.

 

Larijani asserted that foreign military officials had previously concluded that direct action against Iran would not succeed because the country rests on “two pillars”: “a vigilant and fearless nation” and “a wise leadership capable of neutralizing such plots.”

 

He cited recent remarks by Steve Witkoff, described as an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that Trump had expressed surprise at the Iranian people’s refusal to yield despite mounting pressure.

 

According to Larijani, Iran’s enemies concluded that as long as Khamenei remained in leadership, their strategies would fail. “They therefore decided to target him first,” he said.

 

Larijani accused both Washington and Israel of pursuing destabilization policies aimed at weakening or fragmenting Iran. He described Trump as “a symbol of plunder,” alleging that U.S. foreign policy is driven by resource exploitation, referencing U.S. actions in Venezuela as an example.

 

He further alleged that Israel seeks to divide Iran, arguing that the country lacks regional legitimacy and faces widespread hostility among neighboring populations. “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 warned that Iran’s armed forces are prepared for a sustained response. “American forces must understand that they have stabbed the heart of the Iranian people; their own hearts will be stabbed,” he said, adding that Iran’s military posture would be “stronger than ever.”

 

He stated that Iran had previously conveyed warnings to the United States via the Swiss Embassy, cautioning that any attack on Iranian territory would trigger strikes against U.S. regional assets.

 

“We told regional friends that we have no intention of aggression toward them,” Larijani said. “But if American bases in the region are used against us, we will target those bases.”

 

He emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict with neighboring countries, drawing a comparison to the 1980 invasion by Saddam Hussein, and said Tehran would act only in response to aggression.

People gather to mourn after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Armed Forces “Will Not Relent” Until Independence Is Secured

Larijani stated that Iran’s armed forces have significantly strengthened their capabilities in the period between what he described as the “previous war” and the current confrontation.

 

“Our armed forces have developed very strong capabilities during the interval between the last war and the present one. This capacity is a crucial factor in guaranteeing Iran’s power and will enable the continuation of operations,” he said.

 

He emphasized that the military is determined to persist in its actions. “The armed forces today are resolute. They will not leave the United States alone until a sufficient level of independence for Iran is achieved, and they will not allow the enemy to repeat such deception,” he declared.

 

“Iran Will Not Be Divided”

Larijani insisted that the alleged attack would strengthen national unity rather than weaken it. “Doubt it not — the unity of the Iranian nation will grow stronger, and the people of Iran will never allow the country to be divided,” he said.

 

He added that Iran has endured harsher moments throughout its history and has emerged resilient.

 

“Iran’s Path Has Always Been Peaceful”

Larijani maintained that the Islamic Republic’s strategic approach has consistently been peaceful, while warning that Iran would respond firmly to any imposed conflict.

 

“It must be clarified once and for all that Americans cannot impose their will on the Iranian nation,” he said. “We have not sought war and do not seek war. But if a war is imposed on us, we will not leave them unpunished.”

 

He added that Iran had been attacked “for the second time at the negotiating table,” accusing the United States of violating commitments. “The path of the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been peaceful,” he said. “But they are ruthless actors who do not adhere to any commitments.”

 

Larijani reiterated that Iran had previously informed regional countries that it had no intention of aggression toward them. However, he warned that if their territories were used by U.S. forces to conduct military operations against Iran, they would become legitimate targets.

 

“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 if such action happens again, we will target all of its bases and facilities in the region,” he said.

 

He stated that Iran’s armed forces would continue operations until what he described as the full safeguarding of the country’s independence, vowing that the United States would not be allowed to repeat what he called acts of deception.

People gather to mourn after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)