Washington and Tehran are on edge as US President Donald Trump warns Iran against retaliatory strikes after the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced an imminent offensive, escalating tensions across the Middle East.

President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social account to caution Iran against striking back. He wrote, “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been 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 underscores the growing threat of direct confrontation between the United States and Iran, coming hours after Iranian officials confirmed Khamenei’s death in a joint US-Israeli operation.

IRGC announces imminent offensive

Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that it is preparing what it described as the “most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, the IRGC said the operation would commence “in just moments” and target “occupied territories [Israel] and American terrorist bases” across the region.

The announcement signals a potential major escalation following recent missile exchanges and airstrikes between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Retaliation following Khamenei’s martyrdom

Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was martyred in joint US-Israeli strikes on his compound. Authorities announced a seven-day national holiday and a 40-day mourning period.

Iranian officials claimed that over 200 citizens were killed and hundreds more injured during the wave of attacks. The Iranian military vowed revenge, with officials warning that “the aggressor will be severely punished.” In an official statement, Iran framed its upcoming response as both military and ideological: “The oppressors will know who the revolutionaries are.”

Israel confirmed targeting more than 30 sites in western and central Iran, including missile arrays and air defense systems. Meanwhile, Iranian missile attacks reportedly struck Israel’s Ministry of Defense building in Tel Aviv, the US consulate in Erbil, and Dubai airport, causing injuries. The UAE reported intercepting dozens of missiles and drones.

President Trump publicly claimed responsibility for the operation that killed Khamenei, describing it as “justice” and warning that further heavy bombing could follow.