US and Israel Seek ‘Disintegration’ of Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict: Ali Larijani

Ali Larijani has accused the United States and Israel of attempting to break apart Iran during the ongoing regional conflict, now entering its eighth day.

Speaking in a televised interview late Saturday, Larijani — Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council — claimed that Washington and Tel Aviv are pursuing the fragmentation of the Iranian state. He argued that the main issue for both countries is the existence of Iran itself.

“Their problem is ‘Iran’ itself. They were not seeking a minor change but the total breakdown of the country,” Larijani said during the interview.

According to him, the strategy behind the initial military strikes was to create a rapid collapse through shock tactics and political destabilization. He alleged that the attacks were designed to trigger a sudden overthrow of the government and lead to the division of Iranian territory.

Larijani also claimed that the plan included weakening public morale by targeting infrastructure and disrupting essential supplies such as fuel and food. However, he said the Iranian government had managed to maintain stability and keep supplies available despite the pressure.

The senior official further dismissed claims that Iranian military commanders had defected during the conflict. “They claimed many military commanders contacted them to join their side; well, introduce two of them to us. The IRGC, the Army, and the Basij are on the field; who do they think is firing these missiles?” he said.

Larijani also criticized comments by Donald Trump, stating: “Trump does not understand. Iranians may have differences, but they stand by Iran.”

He warned that Iran would respond to any country allowing foreign forces to use its territory for attacks against the country. “If they are to provide bases for the U.S. to operate from, we have clearly stated we will strike those bases. This is our right,” he said.

Larijani concluded by stressing national unity during the conflict, warning that internal divisions would weaken the country at a critical time.