Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has threatened Israel and the United States with a comprehensive military response should they carry out further attacks against the Islamic Republic. In a statement released on Saturday, he ordered Iranian forces to respond to any threat immediately, effectively, and without geographic limitations.
Khamenei also ordered a comprehensive update of the list of potential military targets. This is to include all material and non-material facilities and assets belonging to the US and Israel that are within reach of Iranian forces. He described military readiness as a prerequisite for the most effective deterrence possible.
The statement said that should Iran’s adversaries launch further military or terrorist attacks, the Iranian armed forces and the Iranian people themselves would decide the timing and conditions for their conclusion.
According to Iranian sources, the instructions were issued during a meeting between Khamenei and senior military representatives. Army Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi, Commander of the Army Amir Hatami, and the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi, are said to have attended.
As the American news portal Axios reports, this would be the first publicly known meeting between Khamenei and the three most senior military commanders since the outbreak of war at the end of February.
Since his appointment as Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearances. His instructions and statements are disseminated primarily in written form. Whether the recent meeting with senior military representatives actually took place has so far not been independently confirmed.
Iran’s military leadership also intensified its warnings. Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that a further American attack could expand the war to other parts of the region. Tehran is thereby signaling that potential retaliatory strikes need not be limited to Israel or American military positions in Iran’s immediate vicinity.
Israel prepares for possible escalation
Israel is also preparing for a possible renewed military confrontation with Iran. According to Israeli media reports, the Israeli military has completed its defensive and offensive preparations for a further confrontation. Ten American military transport aircraft reportedly arrived at Israeli air force bases last week. The Israeli Air Force also conducted exercises for possible further operations.
An Israeli Air Force combat aircraft over central Israel on October 28, 2026. Photo: Nati Shohat/Flash90.
Israeli security authorities are factoring in the possibility that Iran could respond to a renewed American or joint American-Israeli attack with missile strikes. The possible involvement of Hezbollah in Lebanon is also being taken into account.
Israeli security leadership is also closely monitoring diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. According to The Jerusalem Post, the military is prepared for various military scenarios. Based on available reports, no decision has yet been made regarding a renewed American-Israeli military operation.
Diplomatic efforts despite military threats
The new threats come at a time when Qatari mediators are attempting to prevent a resumption of hostilities between Iran and the United States.
According to media reports, talks lasting more than twelve hours took place on Friday between Iranian and Qatari representatives in Tehran. On Saturday, negotiations continued in Doha. The mediators maintained regular contact with Washington throughout.
The talks are intended to explore ways to prevent a renewed military confrontation. The backdrop is concern that the United States could strike Iranian targets again following the midterm elections on November 3.
Washington is also keeping diplomatic options open. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday that President Donald Trump had not yet made a decision on possible further military strikes against Iran. Trump favors a diplomatic solution, but the United States is prepared for a renewed military operation.
Additional diplomatic momentum was provided by a letter from US Vice President JD Vance to Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei. While American media view this as an attempt to resume negotiations, President Trump disputed this characterization. When asked whether he had tasked Vance with initiating peace talks, he answered no. He stated that the contact was rather concerned with the delivery of medical aid supplies to Iran.
REPORTER: “Did you direct Vance to talk to Iran to start peace negotiations?”
TRUMP: “No. Iran needs help with medical supplies. Basically, it’s getting supplies in to help people that are not well.” https://t.co/ouLFRYCZQN
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 28, 2026
A key point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz. The strategically vital waterway for international oil transport has been significantly disrupted since the outbreak of war. Iran has severely restricted passage and claims control over shipping in the area.
Araghchi stated that mediators had drawn up a proposal for the complete reopening of the strait within two days. However, no agreement between Washington and Tehran has yet been reached.
The Iranian threats and the simultaneously ongoing mediation efforts highlight the continued state of tension in the Middle East. While Tehran seeks to strengthen its military deterrence and expand potential strike targets, international mediators are working to prevent a renewed escalation of the conflict. Whether the diplomatic contacts will lead to an agreement remains to be seen.
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