Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani warned US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to be cautious, calling his threats “empty.” Larijani said Iran is not afraid and even greater powers could not eliminate the Iranian nation. The remarks followed Trump’s warning of stronger retaliation if Iran disrupts oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Larijani wrote, “Take care of yourself not to be eliminated!” emphasizing Tehran’s defiance against escalating US threats. He directly challenged Trump’s claim that the US would strike Iran “twenty times harder” if it interferes with oil exports.
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The warnings come amid a widening Middle East conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on February 28 that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries.
Shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly 20 percent of global crude oil, has been heavily disrupted. Iranian forces have threatened to block oil exports to US and Israeli allies as long as hostilities continue.
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Larijani’s statements signal Tehran’s readiness to escalate if provoked, highlighting rising tensions in the Gulf. Analysts say the standoff increases the risk of wider regional conflict and further volatility in global oil markets.