Tehran: Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, claimed on Wednesday that more than 500 American soldiers have been killed in the ongoing conflict that began on Saturday. In a message posted on the US social media platform X, Larijani accused US President Donald Trump of being influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions, which he described as 'clownish antics.' He further accused Trump of involving the American public in what he labeled an 'unjust war with Iran.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Larijani questioned whether Trump's actions truly prioritized America over Israel, given the reported casualties. Larijani, who leads Iran's Supreme National Security Council and previously served as a senior adviser to Khamenei, issued a cryptic warning, suggesting that the 'story continues' and hinted at a significant price to be paid in the wake of Khamenei's death.

The conflict began with a joint American-Israeli assault on Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several military commanders who had taken office after their predecessors were killed by Israel in the June 2025 war. Iranian government estimates indicate that nearly 1,050 Iranians have died in the four days of fighting, including 165 schoolchildren in Minab, causing widespread outrage.

Khamenei and members of his family were targeted at their residence in downtown Tehran. In response, Iranian leadership has vowed strong retaliation, launching missile and drone attacks on Israel and American military bases throughout the Middle East. Larijani stated on Monday that Iran is 'prepared for a long war' and dismissed the possibility of negotiations with the US, despite offers from Omani foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi, who had mediated previous indirect nuclear talks.