TEHRAN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani said on Monday the country is prepared for a long war.

Smoke plumes rise following missile strikes in Tehran on March 1, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

"Iran, unlike the United States, has prepared itself for a long war," Larijani said in a post on social media platform X.

"As in the past 300 years, Iran did not start this war, and our brave armed forces have not engaged in any attacks except in defense," he added.

The SNSC chief vowed that Iranians will "fiercely" defend themselves regardless of the costs and "will make the enemies sorry for their miscalculation."

On Saturday morning, joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with some of the leader's family members, senior military commanders and civilians.

Iran responded through several waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East.