Larijani Vows “Burning Hearts” Against U.S. and Israel After Khamenei’s Martyrdom
Speaking in a televised interview broadcast following the unprecedented attack that killed Iran’s supreme leader and several senior officials, Larijani framed the events as both a national tragedy and a turning point in Tehran’s conflict with Washington and Tel Aviv.
He said the loss of Iran’s highest authority had deeply wounded the nation but insisted Iranian forces and citizens remain unified and resilient.
Larijani accused the United States and Israel of deliberately targeting Khamenei’s leadership, likening the assault to “burning the heart of the Iranian people,” and vowed that their own “hearts will be burned” in retaliation. He reiterated claims that Tehran does not seek to expand hostilities beyond its borders but will defend itself if attacked.
Addressing regional dynamics, Larijani argued that Israel lacks deep historical roots in the Middle East and would resort to efforts to fragment large states like Iran to secure dominance. He also criticised U.S. leadership, portraying President Donald Trump as emblematic of plunder and warning that American forces should not assume Iranian restraint.
Larijani reiterated that Iran’s armed forces have significantly strengthened since previous conflicts, asserting they are prepared to sustain and escalate operations to protect national independence. He claimed that past diplomatic engagements with the United States failed, accusing Washington of acting in bad faith, and pledged that Iran will target U.S. bases if they are used against Iranian interests.
Iran has also announced steps toward interim leadership, with a temporary council to be formed until a new supreme leader is chosen under constitutional provisions, signalling a major transition at the helm of the Islamic Republic after Khamenei’s death.
