Tehran - Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Larijani said that Religious Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted on living a normal life and did not take any security measures against possible attacks despite high-risk threats from the United States (US) and Israel that finally caused his death.
Larijani statement at Iranian TV Channel SNN TV came following Sunday, 1 March 2026's government of Iran's official confirmation that Khamenei has died during US-Israel joint military operation, called Roaring Lion, starting from 28 February 2026.
"Khamenei insisted on living a normal life and did not want a different situation in any way. The US and Israel burned the heart of the Iranian people by killing Khamenei, and we will burn their hearts as well," said Larijani, who was also trusted by Khamenei as a loyal aide.
Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that Khamenei martyred his life at his workplace, caused by a coordinated military operation conducted by the US and Israel in Tehran on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Previously, amid the Iran-Israel war in June 2025, Khamenei in a public speech urged the Iranian people to ignore any threats to his life.
“My body holds little value, my life bears no significance. Even if they kill me, do not count it as our loss as long as you remain steadfast on the principles of Imam Hussain," late Khamenei said in an emotional address on 19 June 2025.
Larijani also stated that the Iranian authorities held a meeting "to prepare for the establishment of the Leadership Council", regarding the new leader to be elected to replace Khamenei.
"Groups that think about dividing Iran should know that we have no tolerance, and the armed forces and the nation stand firm for the unity of Iran. They should not think of it as a light breeze and believe they can separate a part of Iran. The armed forces are fully authorized in this matter. Our response to these groups will be like yesterday." said Larijani.
According to another Iranian state media Press TV, people took to the streets in many cities across Iran carrying Iranian flags to mourn their Supreme Leader.
