Iran's Parliament Speaker Condemns Civilian Strikes, Labels US 'Great Satan'

TEHRAN — Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf issued a scathing condemnation on Tuesday of recent military strikes targeting civilian areas within Iran, explicitly designating the United States as the "Great Satan" in a statement that underscores deepening diplomatic tensions. The remarks, delivered from Tehran on September 2, 2026, marked one of the most direct verbal attacks by a senior Iranian official against Washington in recent months.

Ghalibaf addressed the nation following confirmed reports of aerial bombardments that struck residential zones, causing significant disruption and casualties among non-combatants. In his address, the Speaker characterized the attacks as a violation of international norms and an act of aggression aimed at destabilizing the Islamic Republic. He reiterated long-standing rhetoric used by Iranian leadership to describe American foreign policy, framing the United States as a primary adversary responsible for regional instability.

"The targeting of our innocent people is a crime against humanity," Ghalibaf stated during a televised session of the legislature. "We hold the Great Satan fully accountable for these barbaric actions." The use of the term "Great Satan," a phrase historically employed by Iran's founding revolutionary leaders to describe the U.S., signals a hardening of Tehran's stance and suggests that diplomatic channels remain frozen.

The strikes, which occurred early Tuesday morning, have drawn immediate international concern. While Iranian officials have attributed the attacks directly to American forces, no official confirmation has been issued by Washington regarding its involvement in the specific operations targeting civilian infrastructure. The lack of a direct response from U.S. officials has left the chain of command and the precise nature of the military engagement unclear.

Iranian state media broadcast footage of the aftermath, showing damaged buildings and emergency crews working at impact sites. Ghalibaf called for unity among the Iranian people in the face of what he termed "imperialist aggression." He further warned that such actions would not go unanswered, though he did not specify the nature or timing of potential retaliation.

The incident has raised questions about the immediate trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations. Analysts note that the escalation in rhetoric coincides with a period of heightened military activity in the region. It remains uncertain whether the strikes were part of a broader campaign or an isolated incident, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation have not yet been publicly announced by either side.

As the day progressed, Iranian security forces increased their presence in major cities, and civil defense units remained on high alert. The international community awaits further clarification on the source of the attacks and the potential for a wider conflict. For now, the focus remains on the humanitarian impact of the strikes and the volatile political climate that has followed Ghalibaf's denunciation.