At a moment when US President Donald Trump is projecting an image of confusion and sending contradictory signals regarding the war's conclusion, Iran has launched a counter-offensive. Tehran is "mocking" the Americans, making it clear that there is no possibility of agreeing to a ceasefire and declaring that the era of diplomacy has ended. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized the American military operation as an "Epic Mistake," stating that Tehran is fully prepared for further escalation. Simultaneously, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Security Council, sent a direct message to Trump, asserting that Iran is not afraid and that no one can eliminate the Iranian nation. While Trump claimed only days ago that there was no room for negotiation, he now expresses a willingness to talk, leading analysts to suggest the US is losing control.
Trump: Willing to talk with Iran... depending on the terms
Despite previously rejecting all talk of negotiation, Trump now signals an openness to dialogue. Speaking to Fox News, he stated that a meeting with Iran might be possible, depending on the terms. During an interview on Monday, March 9, 2026, Trump mentioned he had heard Tehran "strongly wanted to talk." However, he reiterated his disdain for the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, saying, "I don’t believe he can live in peace." While Trump claimed the results of the US military operation were "way above expectations," he admitted surprise that Iran continues to attack Gulf countries with missiles and drones.
Qalibaf (Speaker of Iranian Parliament): No ceasefire
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf categorically rejected any proposals for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to decisively confront aggressors to prevent future threats. "We are certainly not seeking a ceasefire. We believe we must hit the aggressor in the face so they learn their lesson," Qalibaf posted on X. He noted that the "Zionist regime" thrives on a cycle of "war–negotiation–ceasefire–war" to establish dominance, vowing that Iran will "break this cycle" once and for all.
Larijani to Trump: Your threats are empty, we do not fear you
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, responded to Trump’s rhetoric by stating that Iranians are unimpressed. He emphasized that the nation, inspired by the teachings of Ashura, does not fear the "empty threats" of the American president. "Even those greater than you failed to eliminate the Iranian nation," Larijani told Trump, adding a sharp warning: "Watch out, lest you eliminate yourself!" This followed a Truth Social post where Trump threatened that Iran would be hit "twenty times harder" if it blocked oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, promising "Death, Fire, and Fury."
Araghchi (Iranian FM): We will fight as long as necessary
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told PBS News that Iran is prepared to continue strikes for as long as it takes and has ruled out negotiations. "The attacks continue, and we are fully prepared to keep hitting them with our missiles for as long as required," he stated. Araghchi noted that talks with the United States are "no longer on the agenda," citing a "bitter experience" with American diplomacy. He argued that US and Israeli attempts at regime change failed in the war's early days, leaving the allies without a "clear direction."
Epic Mistake
Araghchi further mocked the American operation—originally titled "Operation Epic Fury"—by labeling it an "Epic Mistake." He pointed out that nine days into the operation, oil prices have doubled and global commodities are skyrocketing. "The US is conspiring against our oil and nuclear facilities hoping to curb the massive inflationary shock," he posted on X, warning that Tehran has "many surprises ready." He added that responsibility for rising gas prices and damaged retirement plans in the US lies solely with Washington and Israel.
Majid Mousavi (Revolutionary Guards): Larger, more destructive missile strikes coming
Iran’s armed forces have officially announced they are abandoning missiles with warheads smaller than one ton. Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, stated that attacks will now be carried out exclusively with "heavy artillery," promising larger and more devastating waves. Mousavi claimed the new missiles have greater range and that today, March 10, the IRGC launched its 31st wave of attacks. The New York Times reports that this strategy has been a "unpleasant surprise" for US command, as Iranian resistance proves more resilient than Washington anticipated.
Lieutenant General Naeini: Trump you are very foolish, Americans are cowards
Lieutenant General Naeini, spokesperson for the Revolutionary Guards, gave a scathing response to the US president, calling him "very foolish." According to the Tasnim news agency, Naeini claimed Trump is lying about the depletion of Iranian forces to escape psychological pressure. He alleged that US aircraft have retreated over 1,000 kilometers from the Persian Gulf to stay safe from Iranian missiles. "Trump's cowardly sailors have increased their distance... while soldiers have abandoned bases with their backpacks to hide in regional hotels," Naeini claimed, adding that ten high-tech US radars have been destroyed.
Waiting for you at Hormuz
"The Iranian armed forces are waiting for the American naval fleet and the carrier Gerald Ford at the Strait of Hormuz," Naeini emphasized. He challenged the US administration to allow journalists to publish images of the destruction and questioned why the true number of casualties is being hidden from the public.
Scott Ritter (Ex-CIA): US strategic defeat, Iran more resilient
Former CIA official Scott Ritter argued that the US failed its primary objective. "This is a humiliating strategic defeat. We did not achieve regime change; instead, the regime became more resilient," Ritter stated. He noted that the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not collapse the system as hoped. "As we cannot change this regime, we have lost the war. The Iranians have not exhausted their missiles and are preparing for the next phase," he concluded.
Wall Street Journal: US underestimated Iranian resistance
The Wall Street Journal reports that the White House miscalculated Tehran's will to resist following the February 28 assassination of Khamenei. Sources within the administration admit the Trump government hoped the strike would lead to a regime collapse or a "Venezuela scenario" where pragmatists would cooperate with Washington. Neither has occurred. The report highlights a failure to accurately estimate how the IRGC would respond to the loss of its top leadership.
Wall Street Journal: Advisors urge Trump to draft an exit plan
Privately, advisors are urging Trump to seek an "exit ramp" from the war to avoid losing public support. The WSJ reports the president is surprised that Tehran refuses to surrender. External economic advisor Stephen Moore warned that as gas and oil prices rise, the affordability of goods will become a "severe problem" for the US electorate.
White House denies reports
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt categorically denied the WSJ report, calling it "nonsense from anonymous sources." She maintained that the president's top aides are working around the clock to ensure Operation Epic Fury remains a success, stating the war's end will be determined solely by the commander-in-chief.
J.D. Vance concerned about a prolonged war
Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly supports the strikes but is anxious about a "protracted war," per the Wall Street Journal. Interestingly, Vance was not physically present at Mar-a-Lago when the operation began, participating instead via a secure video link. Aides claimed security protocols regarding his motorcade prevented his physical presence to avoid alerting adversaries of the impending strike.
Moghaddamfar (Analyst): US and Israel have faced three stages of defeat
Iranian analyst Hamidreza Moghaddamfar argues that the main challenge for the US and Israel is now "how to get out" of the war. He claims the allies have faced three defeats: the June 2025 war, a failed coup attempt, and "coercive diplomacy." He asserts that under the pressure of Netanyahu, the enemy has entered a stage of "reckless actions" that will only lead to a deeper stalemate for Trump.
The base scenario
"The enemy's base scenario after the assassination attempt was to create a power vacuum and prevent a successor," Moghaddamfar said. He claimed Trump tried to influence the election of the new leader by threatening candidates with death, which he views as proof of the failure of the "leadership assassination" and "urban coup" strategies.
The final blow: Election of Mojtaba Khamenei
According to Moghaddamfar, the election of Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader was the "final blow" to US and Israeli plans. He argues that the transition of power to a figure who has been targeted by Western media for 30 years caught the US by surprise. The choice by the Assembly of Experts filled the vacuum and bolstered the morale of the Armed Forces, leaving the enemy in a complete deadlock.
The balance has shifted
The Iranian analyst claims Trump has become a "puppet" of his psychological operations team, using social media to distort the reality of the war. He argues that accurate Iranian missile strikes prove the falsity of claims that 80% of Iran's capabilities were destroyed. By destroying the enemy's radar systems, Iran has left the skies undefended, creating a military stalemate for the allies.
Resistance beyond prediction
"Resistance" in the Middle East has exceeded all predictions, says Moghaddamfar. Hezbollah, alongside forces in Iraq and Yemen, have paralyzed US bases. Iran's actions have caused a shock to international markets, with fuel prices in the US increasing fivefold. Moghaddamfar concluded that Iran will not accept an unconditional ceasefire; it demands the total removal of US threat bases from the region. The election of the new leader is seen as a "divine gift" that maintained unity during the crisis.
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