The conflict among the United States, Israel, and Iran has resulted in the deaths of 555 individuals in Iran since the attacks by the U.S. and Israel began, according to the Red Crescent. Iranian national security secretary Ali Larijani stated that Iran did not initiate this war but is only acting in self-defense. He pointed out that these developments can be traced back to the provocations by the U.S. and Israel, emphasizing that Iran's response is a result of external aggression rather than an offensive strategy.

Larijani specifically held former President Donald Trump accountable for the current chaotic circumstances in the Middle East. In a statement on social media, he accused Trump of pushing the region into turmoil to fulfill his own objectives, claiming that this has placed American soldiers at an increased risk of casualties. This reflects the broader concerns within Iran regarding the U.S. and Israel's military actions and the resulting humanitarian crisis facing ordinary citizens.

Furthering his criticism, Larijani described Trump’s 'America First' policy as having morphed into 'Israel First,' implying that Trump's administration has prioritized Israeli interests at the expense of American and Iranian lives. This narrative seeks to frame Iran's military responses as necessary self-defense amidst a backdrop of sustained aggression from powers perceived as threatening to its sovereignty.