Larijani Vows Retaliation After Leader’s martyrdom: “They Burned Iran’s Heart — We Will Burn Theirs”
Tehran - BORNA - Larijani said in a televised interview that in recent months various methods — from sanctions to political pressure — had been used against Iran, but the nation remained steadfast. He claimed attempts to sow internal division failed, and that military options were deemed unworkable because Iran stands on two pillars: “an aware and fearless people” and the leadership of Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Referring to remarks attributed to Steve Witkoff suggesting that Donald Trump was surprised by Iranians’ lack of fear, Larijani said adversaries concluded that as long as Khamenei remained in leadership, their strategies would fail — prompting them to target him directly. He described Khamenei as a figure shaped by decades of struggle, from opposing the Shah to leading during war, the presidency, and his tenure as Supreme Leader.
Calling the killing a bitter and historic moment, Larijani said Iran has endured invasions before and emerged stronger. He accused Western powers of long-standing resource exploitation and argued that Israel’s agenda drives U.S. policy. “They burned the heart of our nation,” he repeated, “and we will burn theirs.”
He warned that public anger would only strengthen national unity and rejected any prospect of territorial fragmentation. Citing Article 111 of the Constitution, Larijani announced that a temporary Leadership Council — composed of the President, the head of the Judiciary, and a jurist selected by the Expediency Council — would assume leadership duties until a new Leader is chosen, adding that the council would be formed today.
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