In a strongly worded post on X, Larijani wrote: “Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. The Ashura nation of Iran is not afraid of your empty threats. Take care of yourself — don’t be eliminated!”

Earlier, Trump warned Iran in a post on Truth Social, saying: “If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.”

The US president also warned that Washington could target critical Iranian assets.

“Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back as a nation again — death, fire and fury will reign upon them — but I hope and pray that it does not happen,” he said.

Trump added that ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil through the strategic waterway benefits major global economies.

“This is a gift from the United States of America to China and all those nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated,” he wrote.

Earlier, Trump had also expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Speaking to Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade, Trump said he was “not happy” with the development. Hours before the official announcement, he told ABC News that any new Iranian leader would need US approval to remain in power.

“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump said. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.”

He added that Washington wants to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.

“I don’t want people to have to go back in five years and deal with the same thing again, or worse, let them have a nuclear weapon,” he said.