Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it will launch what it described as the “most ferocious offensive operation in history” against Israel and the United States. The statement was issued less than 24 hours after joint US-Israeli military operations began against Iran and following confirmation by state television of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The warning signals a potential escalation in an already volatile regional security environment.
Statement by the Revolutionary Guard
In a message published on its official Telegram channel, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that “the most ferocious offensive operation in the history of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will begin at any moment against the occupied territories and the bases of the American terrorist army”.
The reference to “occupied territories” is commonly used by Iranian authorities to describe Israel. The statement also referred to US military installations in the region.
Confirmation of Khamenei’s death
Earlier on the same day, Iranian state television confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei. He had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989.
Here's the moment a tearful host on Iranian state TV confirmed this morning that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US and Israeli air strikes.
— Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) March 1, 2026
The Iranian government has announced 40 days of mourning and a week-long holiday to mark Khamenei's death. https://t.co/OQSE4o2q8L pic.twitter.com/xpWTq0Yp3w
The announcement comes at a time of heightened military activity and follows the launch of joint operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.
Regional security implications
The joint operations by the United States and Israel began less than 24 hours before the Revolutionary Guard’s statement. The Middle East remains on heightened alert amid concerns of further escalation.
International actors are closely monitoring developments in Tehran, as well as potential responses from Washington and Tel Aviv. No further operational details have been released by Iranian authorities at this stage.
