Washington, D.C. / Tehran, Iran – March 1, 2026 – US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Sunday, threatening a response of “force that has never been seen before” if Tehran carries out what he described as a “very hard” retaliatory strike following the confirmed killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli military operations launched Saturday.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump 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.” The statement came hours after Iranian state media officially confirmed Khamenei’s death during the attacks, along with several senior military and security officials.
Trump did not provide details on the nature or scale of any potential US response but reiterated that ongoing “major combat operations” under “Operation Epic Fury” would continue “as long as necessary” to eliminate threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear program, and regional proxy networks. He urged Iranian forces to surrender and once again called on the Iranian people to overthrow what he called a “tyrannical regime.”
The warning followed Iranian pledges of revenge after the confirmation of Khamenei’s assassination. Iranian state television broadcast the announcement early Sunday, declaring a 40-day national mourning period and forming an interim Leadership Council under Article 111 of the Constitution. The council comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the clerical representative from the Guardian Council. The Assembly of Experts is expected to convene soon to select a permanent Supreme Leader.
Iranian armed forces confirmed the deaths of four senior military officials in the strikes: Chief of the General Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, IRGC Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. Additional reports from state media indicated the deaths of Intelligence Ministry official Mohammad Baseri and police intelligence chief Gholamreza Rezaian. Authorities have not released a full casualty list, and access to affected areas remains restricted amid ongoing hostilities.
The US-Israeli operation—codenamed “Lion’s Roar” by Israel—was launched early Saturday as a pre-emptive campaign targeting military infrastructure, missile production facilities, command centers, and reportedly senior leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strikes as essential to remove an “existential threat,” while Trump confirmed US involvement, urging Iranian forces to surrender and framing the action as justice for victims of the Iranian regime.
Iran responded with large-scale missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf, including a confirmed strike on a US-linked facility in Bahrain’s Juffair area and an intercepted missile over Qatar. Additional drone activity was reported near Oman, prompting the US Embassy in Muscat to order shelter-in-place for staff and recommend the same for American citizens.
Civilian casualties have been reported on the Iranian side, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck. The Iranian Red Crescent Society stated that attacks occurred near medical and humanitarian facilities in Tehran, including the Red Crescent Building, Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital, Behzisti facilities, and Motahari Hospital.
The strikes took place despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
International reactions remain deeply divided. China condemned the assassination as a “grave violation” of sovereignty and international law. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to President Pezeshkian, describing Khamenei’s killing as a “cynical violation” of norms. France, Germany, and the UK denied participation in the strikes while condemning Iranian retaliatory attacks. The European Union and Switzerland urged maximum restraint and respect for international law.
Several Asian nations, including Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Bangladesh, called for de-escalation and diplomacy. Protests erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan, with clashes near the US Consulate in Karachi. Gulf states closed airspace, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over energy disruptions. Oil prices remain elevated amid fears regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
The US State Department issued a global security alert Saturday, advising Americans worldwide—particularly in the Middle East—to exercise increased caution, monitor embassy guidance, and prepare for possible travel disruptions due to airspace closures and evolving security conditions.
As the conflict enters its third day, with missile exchanges ongoing, regional airspace restricted, and Iran in mourning following Khamenei’s death, Trump’s warning signals the potential for further escalation. The situation remains highly volatile, with the interim Leadership Council tasked with maintaining continuity amid active hostilities and the Assembly of Experts preparing to select a new Supreme Leader.
