TEHRAN – Iran’s top security official issued a defiant warning against the United States and the Israeli regime, saying Washington and Tel Aviv would not escape the consequences of their aggression.

Israel and the U.S. began coordinated strikes against Iranian cities on February 28. The war has so far claimed the lives of over 1,300 civilians, including 168 students and teachers at Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in the city of Minab in southern Iran. The assaults targeted not only strategic sites but also educational, medical, and residential areas, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of U.S. and Israeli aggression. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, as well as some top military commanders were martyred in the first day of the aggression. 

Speaking on Saturday, Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stressed Iran’s unwavering resolve to confront the foreign onslaught: “The U.S. must understand that crossing red lines and violating international law will not remain unanswered.”

He underscored the reliance on national determination to counter aggression: Iran “will not leave America’s aggression and insolence unanswered, and will not let them (President Donald Trump and other perpetrators) off the hook.”

Larijani also criticized President Trump’s rhetoric and behavior, portraying it as a surrender of American interests to Israeli priorities: “The hysterical behavior and undiplomatic language of Donald Trump reflect a strategic deadlock and his complete subservience to Israeli policies, effectively transforming the slogan ‘America First’ into ‘Israel First.’”

Larijani highlighted the strategic failure of Washington’s campaign, noting that attacks on empty governmental, educational, and medical facilities were evidence of desperation after broader political goals failed: “Recent U.S. strikes on empty governmental, educational, and medical facilities are a sign of desperation and ‘hysterical behavior’ stemming from failure in projects aimed at partition and subversion in Iran."

Iran security chief noted that despite the immense pressures of war and economic sanctions, Iranian people have demonstrated resilience, aided by state management: “In spite of economic pressure and the damage caused by bombings, the resilience of the people and the proper management of resources prevented a crisis in the livelihoods of people.”

He emphasized that these failures have strengthened national cohesion: “Trump’s strategic failure regarding Iran is certain. Their primary objective was the collapse of the governing system and the destruction of national unity, a goal that they have failed to achieve.”

Larijani praised the public’s cooperation with security forces, including the Basij volunteer corps: “Contrary to the enemy’s expectations, social cohesion and public cooperation with security institutions such as the Basij volunteer force have been preserved due to public awareness.”

Larijani noted that U.S. policies have weakened American influence across the Middle East: “Not only has America’s authority in the region collapsed, but neighboring states have also realized that the U.S. is no longer capable of guaranteeing their security."

Larijani also criticized Israel for attempts to provoke regional conflict, including tensions with neighboring Azerbaijan. He reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to constructive relations unless Iranian national security is threatened: “Israel seeks to provoke conflict between Iran and regional countries, including Azerbaijan through intrigue and conspiracy.”

Reflecting on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, Larijani described the response of the Iranian people as a decisive factor in thwarting foreign designs: “The civilizational maturity of the Iranian nation is the last blow to imperial illusions of Donald Trump.”

He dismissed foreign attempts to influence Iran’s leadership process: “The enemy intended to shatter Iran by martyring Ayatollah Khamenei, but the epic nationwide turnout of the people neutralized their final weapon.”

He added, “Trump’s ridiculous claim about intervening in the selection of Iran’s future Leader is an insult to a nation with a deep civilization.”

He contrasted the intended “rapid collapse” strategy inspired by models such as Venezuela with the Iranian response: “Through the martyrdom of the Leader and key commanders, the enemy aimed to bring about a swift collapse of the administrative and governing structure. Taking cues from examples like Venezuela, they pursued a strategy of a ‘short but intense war’ to crush national morale and plunge the country into chaos.”
He said instead, the nation turned tragedy into unity, resilience, and solidarity and demonstrate the enduring strength of Iran’s people and institutions.