President Trump warned that Iran would face a “force” unlike any seen before if the nation escalated its actions following U.S.-Israeli operations earlier Saturday. The statement came via Truth Social, where Trump asserted: “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever 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 warning followed reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened the most intense “offensive operation” in its military history. According to the group’s statement, Khamenei’s death at the hands of what it termed terrorists was proof of his righteousness, with the force declaring his legacy would continue through “strength and honor.” The guard vowed Iranian civilians would seek revenge against those responsible, promising “severe and decisive punishment” for attackers while reaffirming its commitment to defend Khamenei’s path.

The reports emerged after U.S. and Iranian state media confirmed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death. An Iranian official announced Sunday that a leadership council would assume the responsibilities of the Supreme Leader until a new successor is elected. Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani stated: “In accordance with the constitution, a leadership council will be established to assume the responsibilities of the Supreme Leader until a successor is elected.”

Iranian state-run media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside the speaker of Iran’s parliament and head of its judiciary, would lead the nation temporarily during this transition. The Supreme National Security Council—a group overseeing Iran’s defense and foreign policy—remains central to managing the country’s strategic direction amid the developments.