Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani delivered a pointed retort Thursday to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s accusation that Iranian leaders cower “like rats” underground. “Our leaders have been, and still are, among the people,” Larijani posted on X. “But your leaders? On Epstein’s island.” The exchange unfolded Day 13 of Operation Epic Fury as Hegseth claimed new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei suffered disfiguring wounds from recent airstrikes.
What Hegseth Said About Iranian Leaders Hiding
During Pentagon briefing Hegseth described Iran’s command structure “desperate hiding” underground bunkers classic “rat behavior” evading coalition precision strikes relentlessly. He specifically questioned Mojtaba Khamenei’s first public message authenticity suggesting “likely disfigured” initial February 28 attacks prevented personal appearances. Remarks aimed underscore Tehran leadership isolation contrasting coalition operational freedom air superiority dominance established early campaign phases decisively.
Why Larijani Chose Epstein Island Comeback
Larijani’s X post directly mocked Hegseth invoking Jeffrey Epstein scandal associating American elite unseemly associations publicly. Timing coincided President Masoud Pezeshkian Al-Quds Day Tehran rally visually countering hiding narrative state media broadcast widely domestically internationally. Iranian officials positioned leadership accessibility proving resilience despite sustained bombing campaigns infrastructure losses mounting daily. Response humanized Tehran perspective challenging Western propaganda dominance effectively.
When Iranian Leaders Appeared Publicly Defying Claims
Pezeshkian joined massive Al-Quds Day crowds Tehran March 13 demonstrating leadership presence amid explosions reported nearby. State television aired continuous coverage senior clerics military commanders addressing supporters defiantly. Visual proof was countered. Hegseth asserts that underground isolation demonstrates operational continuity despite the ferocity of the US-Israel air war. Regardless of external challenges, public appearances communicated regime coherence and internal stability.
How Operation Epic Fury Day 13 Briefing Escalated
Hegseth’s briefing underlined the coalition’s meticulous destruction of Iranian missile drone stockpiles and proxy networks. Larijani’s remark constituted a rare direct senior official conversation that revealed personal animosities beneath geopolitical posturing. Iranian internet blackouts Starlink arrests Al-Quds explosions underscored regime control mechanisms operating maximum wartime footing. Verbal sparring distracted underlying military realities Hormuz blockades tanker attacks continuing unabated strategically.
FAQs
Q: What did Hegseth call Iranian leaders behavior.
A: “Desperate hiding like rats” underground evading coalition airstrikes.
Q: Larijani exact X post wording Epstein.
A: “Our leaders among people. Yours on Epstein’s island.”
Q: Which Iranian president rallied Al-Quds Day.
A: Masoud Pezeshkian appeared publicly Tehran countering hiding claims.
Q: What Operation Epic Fury Day 13 milestone.
A: Hegseth briefing sparked Larijani fiery senior officials exchange.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
