Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has warned the United States and Israel against launching new attacks, following their threats to resume strikes after crucial elections. This declaration comes as the Islamic republic's top diplomat stated that there are no plans to hold talks with the United States, despite indirect mediation via Qatar. The warnings were issued as fears mount over a potential return to fighting between Iran and its adversaries.
The US and Israel have been threatening fresh military action against Iran, with US President Donald Trump weighing whether to "finish them off" after the US midterm elections. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken of a "historic, one-time opportunity" to topple the Iranian government. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday that Trump had not yet made a decision about fresh strikes, saying that the US can achieve military objectives if needed.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei made the warnings during a meeting with top military commanders, including armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi, army chief Amir Hatami, and Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi. This was the first reported meeting between Khamenei and the military top brass since he took the helm in March. Khamenei ordered commanders to update Iran's target list to include "all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy".
The conflict between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance began on February 28, with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which swiftly responded with attacks on American assets in countries around the region. The war has caused a spike in global energy prices, making it unpopular among the US public ahead of midterm congressional elections. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that normally carries around one-fifth of global oil consumption, has added to the tensions.
Despite the possible return to full-scale conflict, some residents in the Iranian capital, Tehran, seem unfazed. A salesman in his forties, Ebrahim, said, "We do not fear another war. We have been at war for 48 years now." However, ordinary Iranians have been left in a state of limbo for the past year, according to Fariba, a Tehran housewife. Fresh diplomatic efforts are underway to avert any resumption of fighting, with Qatari mediators and US Vice President JD Vance engaging with Iranian officials.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that there are currently no plans for meetings with American officials, but confirmed that Iran received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance, which was viewed as a positive step. Araghchi warned that any resumption of hostilities would only expand the scope of the war, saying "the flames of war will undoubtedly engulf a much wider geographical area". He also stated that Iran's conditions are clear, and consultations regarding them are ongoing among mediators.
The international community is watching the developments closely, as the conflict has significant implications for global energy prices and regional stability. Qatar and Pakistan have been mediating between the warring parties, but the talks have yet to produce a lasting agreement. Iran's military spokesman, Mohammad Akaraminia, stated that any resumption of hostilities would be met with an "Earth-shattering blow" from Iran's powerful armed forces, with no longer any "red lines".
Key points
- Iran's supreme leader warns US and Israel against new attacks.
- US and Israel threaten fresh military action against Iran.
- Diplomatic efforts are underway to avert a resumption of fighting.
