Larijani issues stern warning to Trump over Hormuz threats

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

TEHRAN, IRAN — Iran's National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani has sharply rebuked US President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that Tehran is not intimidated by Washington's warnings.

The 67-year-old official's remarks, coming as he assumes a renewed central role in Iran's security apparatus following Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as the new supreme leader, highlight the escalating regional tensions and the growing risk of conflict over crucial global oil transit routes.

"Be careful not to be destroyed"

Larijani directly targeted the US President in a post on the X platform on Tuesday. The high-ranking Iranian official delivered a stark message, stating:

"Be careful not to be destroyed. Iran is not afraid of your empty threats. Even those stronger than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation."

War of words over the Strait of Hormuz

The core of the escalating rhetoric between the two nations is the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to Euronews, Larijani stated earlier in the week that security in the strait cannot be guaranteed as long as the conflict with the US and Israel continues, implying that the critical oil route could become virtually unusable.

These remarks prompted a fierce response from Trump, who warned that if Iran attempted to close the strait, the country would be hit "20 times harder." The US President also dismissed Larijani's statements, saying, "I don't know what he's saying, and I don't know who he is. I don't care."

A key figure in Tehran's power network

Despite Trump's dismissive tone, Larijani is widely regarded as one of the most crucial actors in Iran's political and security bureaucracy. Having consolidated his power following the Assembly of Experts' selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader, Larijani operates closely within an inner circle that includes Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Revolutionary Guards Commander Ahmad Vahidi.

Larijani, who previously served as Parliament Speaker for 12 years and led Iran's nuclear program negotiations, was also a chief architect of the 25-year strategic agreement signed with China in 2021. Following recent regional assassinations, Larijani warned that the US President "must pay the price," cautioning that since Washington had burned the hearts of the Iranian people, Iran would inevitably do the same in return.

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