Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned the United States and Israel against further strikes as fears mount over a resumption of fighting in the Middle East. This warning follows recent threats of fresh military action from US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Khamenei has ordered top military commanders to prepare for renewed confrontation and to expand Tehran’s options for retaliation. The Supreme Leader further stated that Iran's potential response will not be restricted by geography.
While Tehran says it is ready to respond to any attack, it continues to keep diplomatic channels open with Washington through several regional intermediaries. Fresh diplomatic efforts are underway to avert a resumption of fighting, though legislative polls in the US and Israel could determine the direction of the conflict.
Iranian leaders do not expect a major shift in Israeli or U.S. policy, even as Prime Minister Netanyahu jockeys to stay in power and President Trump faces a tough midterm fight.