Iran warns US and Israel of unrestricted response to any new attacks
In a written statement released on Saturday, Khamenei said Iran would decide when and how to respond if its enemies started another military or terrorist attack. His warning comes as concerns grow over a possible return to fighting in the Middle East.
“If the enemies once again launch military or terrorist attacks, it is the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation that will determine the time and conditions for ending them,” said a statement attributed to Khamenei and published on his official website.
Iran warns of a wider military response
The statement followed a reported meeting between Khamenei and senior Iranian military commanders. Those attending reportedly included armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi, army chief Amir Hatami and Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi.
It was the first reported meeting between Khamenei and these senior military officials. However, Khamenei has not appeared in public since becoming Iran’s supreme leader after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
His father was killed in US-Israeli strikes at the beginning of the Middle East war in February. The younger Khamenei took over as supreme leader following his father’s assassination.
According to the statement, Khamenei instructed military commanders to prepare for any possible threat. He called for an immediate response that could extend beyond a limited geographical area.
Military commanders told to expand target list
Khamenei also directed military officials to review and update Iran’s list of potential targets. The statement said the list should cover “all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist (Israeli) enemy”.
He further instructed commanders that “any level or type of threat must be met with an immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response”. These remarks suggest that Iran could consider a broader range of targets if another conflict begins.
The Middle East war started on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran quickly responded by launching attacks against several countries across the region.
The conflict increased regional tensions and raised fears that more countries could become involved. Khamenei’s latest warning indicates that Iran is maintaining a strong military position despite diplomatic efforts to prevent further fighting.
Diplomatic efforts continue to prevent new war
Khamenei’s statement came as diplomatic efforts continued to reduce tensions between Iran and its opponents. Several countries are trying to prevent another round of military attacks.
A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday to hold discussions with Iranian officials. The visit came after Iran reportedly received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance.
Iranian media reported that Tehran had not yet sent a response to the American letter. The contents of the letter and the next steps in the diplomatic process remain important developments.
The latest warning has added pressure to these efforts. However, diplomatic contacts suggest that attempts to avoid another military confrontation are still continuing.
Iran’s warning shows that tensions with the US and Israel remain high. Tehran wants to make clear that any new attack could lead to a wider military response.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts are continuing to prevent another war. The coming days will be important in determining whether negotiations can reduce tensions or the region faces another round of fighting.
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