Iran’s Ali Larijani Fires Back At Donald Trump’s Warning: “Will Hit With A Force They Have Never Seen Before”

The article reports Ali Larijani warning of a stronger Iranian retaliation against the United States and Israel, framing the events as a strategic confrontation. It also notes Iran’s plans for an interim leadership structure and a public escalation in missile activity and social media exchanges, highlighting regional security implications.

By Ashish Rana

Updated: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 15:28 [IST]

Ali Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s power structure, has escalated tensions with the United States by issuing a blunt warning of direct retaliation following the attacks that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His remarks, delivered amid a volatile regional climate, signal that Tehran is preparing for a tougher phase in its confrontation with Washington and Israel.

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Ali Larijani warned of direct retaliation against the United States and Israel following attacks that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicating a stronger military response and outlining plans for interim leadership including the president and judiciary head.

Direct Warning To The United States

Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a long-time confidant of Khamenei, accused Washington of striking at the core of the Iranian nation. “The Americans have stabbed the Iranian people in the heart and we will stab them in their heart,” he said, making clear that Tehran views the recent developments as an attack demanding a forceful answer.

Framing the crisis as a response to coordinated US and Israeli actions, he cautioned that retaliation would not be symbolic. “They must know they cannot just hit and run,” Larijani asserted. He further added, “It must be made clear once and for all that the Americans cannot bully the Iranian nation.”

Promise Of Stronger Military Retaliation

Expanding on Iran’s next steps, Larijani indicated that earlier missile strikes were not the final word. He declared that the “reaction from our armed forces will be much stronger,” suggesting that Tehran is prepared to escalate militarily if it deems it necessary.

At the same time, he sought to reassure neighbouring governments, stating that Iran had informed countries across the region that it was not seeking war with them. However, he maintained that American military installations in Middle Eastern nations would remain potential targets when required, reinforcing the message that US interests in the region are vulnerable.

Interim Leadership After Khamenei’s Death

Beyond military threats, Larijani also addressed the internal political transition following Khamenei’s death. He outlined plans for a temporary leadership structure that would include the president and the head of the judiciary. This interim arrangement, he indicated, would ensure continuity in governance and decision-making, particularly in matters of national security and responses to the US and Israel.

The move signals that Tehran intends to project institutional stability even as it navigates one of the most sensitive periods in its modern history.

War Of Words Moves To Social Media

The confrontation has not been confined to official statements. It has spilled onto X, where Larijani posted: YESTERDAY IRAN FIRED MISSILES AT THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL, AND THEY DID HURT. TODAY WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE.

His post appeared to directly answer remarks from US President Donald Trump, who wrote: Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.

The sharp exchange underscores how the rhetoric between Tehran and Washington has extended into public digital arenas, amplifying tensions and signalling resolve to domestic and international audiences alike.

Taken together, Larijani’s threats, the ongoing missile activity, the proposed interim leadership framework and the high-profile social media clash point to a period of deep uncertainty. Iran has signalled it is prepared for stronger action while insisting it does not seek a broader regional war, leaving the region on edge as both sides harden their positions.