Iranian Official Vows Response to Attacks from U.S. Military Bases

Secretary Ali Larijani warns regional countries to prevent use of their soil by America against Iran.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani has vowed that Tehran will respond to attacks from U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf. Larijani stated that "When the enemy attacks us from regional bases, we respond to it and will respond; this is our right and a consistent policy." He also warned that the countries in the region must prevent the use of their soil by America against Iran, or Iran will respond themselves.

Why it matters

This statement from a top Iranian official escalates tensions between Iran and the U.S. after recent military strikes, raising the possibility of further conflict in the region. It also puts pressure on neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf to choose sides between the U.S. and Iran.

The details

Larijani, one of the few surviving Iranian military and political leaders after recent U.S. and Israeli bombings, rejected the notion that he sought negotiations with the U.S. to stop the attacks. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also warned that Iran would retaliate if the U.S. military operation escalates, saying "If [President Trump] seeks escalation, it is precisely what our Powerful Armed Forces have long been prepared for, and what he will get."

  • On Saturday, Larijani made the statement vowing a response to U.S. attacks from regional bases.
  • On Sunday, Larijani rejected the idea that he sought negotiations with the U.S. to stop the bombings.

The players

Ali Larijani

The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council who vowed a response to U.S. attacks from regional bases.

Abbas Araghchi

Iran's Foreign Minister who warned the U.S. that Iran would retaliate if the military operation escalates.

Lindsey Graham

A U.S. Senator and Trump ally who said there will be no ground invasion of Iran, stating "The goal of this operation is to change the threat, not the regime."

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What they’re saying

“When the enemy attacks us from regional bases, we respond to it and will respond; this is our right and a consistent policy.”

— Ali Larijani, Secretary, Iran's Supreme National Security Council (X)

“If [President Trump] seeks escalation, it is precisely what our Powerful Armed Forces have long been prepared for, and what he will get.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister, Iran (X)

“The goal of this operation is to change the threat, not the regime.”

— Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator (NBC News)

The takeaway

This exchange of threats between Iranian officials and the U.S. government raises the specter of further military conflict in the region, with Iran vowing to retaliate against any U.S. attacks from bases in the Persian Gulf. The situation underscores the fragility of the relationship between the two countries and the potential for miscalculation that could lead to a wider war.