Iran Parliament Speaker Warns U.S., Israel of ‘Devastating Blows’ After Khamenei’s Death

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf on Sunday (March 1, 2026) issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel, calling their leaders “filthy criminals” and vowing severe retaliation for ongoing strikes on the Islamic Republic.

In a televised address broadcast on state TV, Qalibaf accused Washington and Tel Aviv of crossing Iran’s “red line” and said they would face heavy consequences. “You have crossed our red line and must pay the price,” he declared, warning that Iran would deliver “devastating blows” that would leave its adversaries pleading.

Qalibaf is the highest-ranking Iranian official to appear publicly since coordinated U.S. and Israeli attacks began on Saturday (February 28, 2026). The strikes reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, marking a significant escalation in tensions.

Addressing the leadership vacuum and the country’s next steps, Qalibaf said Iran has prepared for all possible scenarios in the wake of Khamenei’s death. “We have prepared ourselves for these moments and have considered all scenarios,” he stated, signaling that Tehran is ready to respond decisively as the crisis unfolds.