Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a warning of a swift and far-reaching response to any attacks by the United States or Israel, emphasizing that such retaliation would have no “geographic limits,” according to the state-run IRNA news agency. The statement came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at lowering tensions and averting a renewed outbreak of full-scale conflict.
Khamenei made the remarks during a meeting with military officials, his first publicly reported appearance since a series of strikes in late February involving the U.S. and Israel. Those initial attacks resulted in the death of his father and several other senior figures. As reported by Iranian state media, Khamenei also called for the revision of a list identifying potential U.S. and Israeli targets, signaling preparation for possible future confrontations.
The warnings arrive in the context of political developments in both Israel and the United States. Israel held national elections recently, and U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to conclude shortly. Leaders from both countries, including President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have threatened to resume airstrikes against Iran following their respective election cycles.
On the diplomatic front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed ongoing negotiations in Qatar involving Iranian diplomats and international mediators. Araghchi announced that an agreement had been reached to potentially reduce the time required to fully reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz to just two days. This follows an earlier Iranian proposal suggesting a week's reopening contingent upon Washington lifting blockades on Iranian ports, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and waiving sanctions related to Iranian oil exports—conditions rejected by the U.S.
While Araghchi stated that Iran currently does not intend to engage directly with U.S. officials, he acknowledged recent American moves toward broader dialogue as a positive development. He added that any decision on direct or indirect negotiations would depend on Washington’s willingness to meet Iran’s demands.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, indicated in a state television interview that he had not yet responded to a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance. However, he described the tone of U.S. communications as having “completely changed,” labeling this shift a “very good sign.” Rezaei, who reportedly met with Khamenei recently, maintained that Iran has not altered its nuclear policy, which Tehran insists remains peaceful. Washington continues to press Iran to abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities, while Iran seeks to defer discussions on its nuclear program to a later date.
These developments highlight a complex and volatile situation, with Iran signaling readiness to respond forcefully to perceived threats, even as diplomats persist in efforts to prevent escalation into full-scale war.