Trump Vows Force ‘Never Seen Before’ as Iran Confirms Khamenei’s Death in US-Israeli Strikes

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Mar 1, 2026 #Iran 40 days mourning, #Khamenei death confirmed, #Middle East escalation updates, #Tehran airstrike casualties, #Trump Iran warning force never seen before, #US Israel Iran conflict 2026

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President Donald Trump has issued one of his strongest warnings yet to Iran, telling the nation it will face a “force that has never been seen before” if it retaliates after Tehran confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli air strikes.

The threat was posted on Trump’s social media platform earlier on Sunday, as the Middle East teetered on the brink of a wider and more violent conflict.

“Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!”

The forceful message came amid dramatic developments following a massive aerial campaign by US and Israeli forces that Iranian state television said killed Khamenei at his compound in Tehran on Saturday.

Iranian state media declared the 86-year-old leader’s death a form of “martyrdom” and announced 40 days of national mourning.

The confirmation of Khamenei’s death, previously foreshadowed by Israeli and US officials, reflects a grave turning point in the months-long confrontation.

According to reports, other senior Iranian military figures were also killed in the strikes, deepening the crisis within Iran’s leadership structure.

In response to the strikes, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on US and allied positions across the region, including sites in the Gulf and Israel, prompting air-raid sirens and defensive actions.

While administrations on both sides report that most offensive measures have been intercepted, there have been multiple reports of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, notably in Gulf cities.

One of the most contentious aspects of the strikes has been a devastating attack on the Shajareh-Tayebeh girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, where Iranian state media says at least 148 people were killed, including many children.

A second strike reportedly hit another school near Tehran, causing further deaths and injuries.

The Iranian Red Crescent has cited well over 200 deaths and hundreds of wounded nationwide as a result of the broader assault.

Iran’s military and paramilitary leadership have vowed retribution.

The Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, described the United States and Israel as “filthy criminals” who will face “devastating blows” for the strikes, in televised remarks that underscored Tehran’s defiance and intent to escalate.

International reactions have been cautious but urgent.

The United Nations Security Council is preparing emergency sessions as global powers urge restraint to prevent the conflict expanding further, with concerns that a regional war could have far-reaching impacts on economic stability, oil markets and civilian safety.