Iran Warns of 'Geographically Unrestricted Response' to Potential US Strikes
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that any renewed military threat from the United States will be met with an immediate, impactful, and geographically unrestricted response. The remarks, reported on Sunday, come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a new escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
According to Iranian state media, Khamenei met with top military commanders on Saturday and instructed them to prepare for potential US-Israeli military action. The directives include updating lists of physical and non-physical US and Israeli targets. Iranian military officials, including army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia, stated that any future conflict would not be confined to West Asia, potentially impacting neighboring regions such as Turkey, the South Caucasus, and Europe.
Washington has previously indicated that its forces could initiate a short, intensive campaign following upcoming US midterm elections. Analysts suggest Tehran's warnings are intended to deter potential strikes. Meanwhile, regional actors are bracing for fallout; Gulf nations, whose economies have been strained by ongoing tensions, continue to monitor diplomatic channels. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash stated in Bahrain that regional states remain braced for the worst while supporting Qatari-led mediation efforts.
Concurrently, diplomatic engagement continues through intermediaries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted positive signals from Washington regarding broader dialogue and indicated Tehran could accelerate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under specific conditions. Additionally, Iranian security chief Major General Mohsen Rezaei reported receiving a communication from US Vice President JD Vance proposing negotiations, calling the adjusted tone a positive sign as both sides await further developments.
