Iran's top military leader has issued a direct challenge to the US, claiming America's era of dominance is over and any thought of attacking Iran is now dead, escalating tensions.

This bold statement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, led by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and Western countries, including the US, Israel, and the European Union, over regional conflicts.

Major General Hossein Salami, IRGC Commander-in-Chief, criticized the US military, calling it "decayed" with "incapacitated" leadership, while highlighting Iran's growing regional and global power through advanced military development.

Salami stated, "The US has become a shadow of its former self. Its military is rotting, and officials are too weak to manage their collapsing empire." He emphasized Iran's multiplied power.

Salami's remarks reflect Iran's hardened stance under Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, amid rising tensions with Israel and the US, and ongoing nuclear negotiations, analysts believe.