WANA (Mar 08) – In a televised interview late Saturday night, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), analyzed the objectives of the ongoing military conflict at the conclusion of its eighth day. Larijani asserted that the primary aim of the United States and the Israeli regime is the total fragmentation of the Iranian state.
U.S. and Israel Targeted Iran’s Territorial Integrity
Larijani stated that the core issue for Washington and Tel Aviv is the “disintegration” of Iran. “Their problem is ‘Iran’ itself. They were not seeking a minor change but the total breakdown of the country,” he remarked. He noted that the intensity of the initial attacks, including the “martyrdom of Imam Khamenei and other children of the revolution,” was designed to achieve this rapid collapse.
He added that the enemy’s strategy relied on a “shock” doctrine to facilitate an immediate overthrow followed by the carving up of Iranian territory. “Even today, Mr. Trump’s published message claimed Iran is being torn apart. They were pursuing disintegration, though they are being more explicit about it this time.”
Comparing the situation to previous U.S. interventions, Larijani noted, “They thought they could replicate what they did in Venezuela here, but a different mindset prevails in Iran. They wanted to trap the people in a state of shock and awe, but they failed because the Iranian people have seen such trials before, as we see every year in the Husseini epic.”
“The Americans are Now Desperate”
According to the SNSC Secretary, the American strategy was a high-intensity, short-term war. “They did not expect the Iranians not to let go; now they are desperate,” he said. He emphasized that the attempt to break public morale and disrupt governance failed. “The next step was to collapse the people’s livelihood—cutting off fuel, bread, and resources—but the government worked hard. Despite high volumes of travel, supplies remain sufficient.”
Larijani dismissed rumors of military defections: “They claimed many military commanders contacted them to join their side; well, introduce two of them to us. The IRGC, the Army, and the Basij are on the field; who do they think is firing these missiles?”
Kurds Recognize U.S. “Transactional” Nature
Addressing U.S. efforts to incite ethnic groups, particularly Kurds, Larijani stated: “They tried to provoke the Kurds, but they forgot they are among the most authentic Iranian ethnicities. While there may be differences, Kurds saw what happened to them in Syria! Kurds are wise; they know the Americans treat them transactionally and have no loyalty.”
He added that armed forces sent a clear message to militant groups that any misstep would be met with force, noting that these groups are well aware of both the Iranian military’s power and the U.S. unreliability.
“Trump Does Not Understand”
Larijani condemned attacks on schools, hospitals, and nurseries, characterizing them as a move to pressure the population. “I saw today Mr. Trump said they are targeting parts of the people who haven’t been hit yet. Why? Because despite all his efforts, the people did not respond to him.”
“Trump does not understand,” Larijani continued. “Iranians may have differences, but they stand by Iran. They have seen the experience of your intervention in the region… You are not concerned for the people! You took Venezuela and said you’d take their oil and give them money!” He also mocked Trump’s suggestion that he should decide Iran’s future leader, calling it “backward” and an insult to a civilized nation.
U.S. Soldiers Captured in Some Countries
Regarding Donald Trump’s claim that a conversation with Netanyahu suggested a strike would lead to their goals, Larijani warned: “Your ‘temptation’ [Trump] has wasted all American interests. The American people should know the cost they are paying. They admit losing a trillion dollars in the stock market by day five. The entire region is in crisis.”
He challenged the reported U.S. casualty figures: “They lie when they say five or six people were killed! Occasionally they say twenty died in an accident. I have even heard that in some areas and countries, their soldiers have been taken prisoner.”
Relations with Regional Countries
Larijani emphasized that the “majesty” of the U.S. in the region has been broken and that regional countries realize the U.S. can no longer provide security. “The countries of the region are our friends… During the Iraq-Iran war, almost all of them backed Saddam, yet we did not retaliate.”
He recalled a private meeting with Sultan Qaboos, who shared that before the 1980 invasion, Saddam’s deputy had requested Omani cooperation, promising to be in Tehran within a week. Larijani noted that even when Saddam later attacked Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Iran did not retaliate against those who had supported him.
However, he issued a stern warning: “If they are to provide bases for the U.S. to operate from, we have clearly stated we will strike those bases. This is our right.”
U.S. Bases Remain Permanent Targets
Commenting on reports that regional officials no longer trust the U.S., Larijani asked, “If Israel has attacked us, why do you allow it to use your bases? It is Iran’s right to respond… and this policy remains permanent.”
He characterized potential strikes from Azerbaijan as “mischief” likely orchestrated by Israel to embroil other countries in the conflict. “We have no problem with Azerbaijan, but if actions are taken against Iran from these countries, we will deal with it.”
“Americans Should Know We Won’t Let Them Go”
Larijani described the current state of U.S. and Israeli leadership as “hysterical” and in its “last gasps.” He advised Trump to admit his mistake of putting “Israel First” instead of “America First.”
“The Americans should know we won’t let them go. You left a scar on our hearts that we will not abandon. We will show you what ‘temptation’ really means.” He added that there is no division among Iranian officials in the fight against the U.S. and Israel.
“They Must Pay Compensation”
The SNSC Secretary claimed that despite censorship, experts believe the war has destroyed significant U.S. assets and that Iranian missiles have effectively hit their marks. “The strikes of the Islamic Republic will be continuous… The issue will only be settled when they understand they have no right to aggress against Iran. They must pay compensation to the Iranian people.”
He dismissed claims that Iran’s missile power had been destroyed: “Where are these hundreds of missiles hitting them coming from? These are just their fantasies. Our missile reservoirs are upright.”
The Strait of Hormuz and Economic Consequences
On the surge in oil prices and economic tremors, Larijani said, “We didn’t want this, but the nature of war is insecurity. We didn’t close the Strait of Hormuz; it has closed naturally because there is constant fighting there. They attack our ships; we attack theirs.”
He reiterated that the “martyrdom of our leader and our people” would not go unpunished. “Trump thought he could do here what he did in Venezuela. He will have to pay the price.”
European Neutrality and the Succession Process
Larijani noted that Iran had warned European countries that any participation would lead to conflict, but remarked that “Europeans ignored Trump… they have acted more rationally.”
Regarding domestic governance, he highlighted the constitutional role of the Temporary Leadership Council (Article 111). He stated the council is managing the duties of leadership, handling war reports, and overseeing the economy and international relations.
As for the selection of a new leader: “This is an internal mechanism of the Assembly of Experts… The Leadership Council has ordered security forces to provide the necessary arrangements for the Assembly to meet. There is a transparent process, and God willing, a good choice will be made for a prosperous future.”
Closing Remarks: A Warning Against Internal Discord
Larijani concluded by thanking the Iranian people for their “zeal and pride,” stating their presence in the streets is more valuable than the fire poured on Israelis.
He issued a final warning: “Any talk that creates division is a deadly poison. I have said before that some mercenaries are giving coordinates to the enemy; the Judiciary is obligated to deal with them with the maximum punishment. We are passing through the peak of the war… the people must receive the reward for this steadfastness.”