Iran Supreme Leader Warns U.S. and Israel Against New Strikes

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the United States and Israel against returning to war in a written statement on Saturday, October 31, 2026. If the enemies launch new military or terrorist attacks, the armed forces and the Iranian nation will decide when and how to end them, according to the statement posted on his website.

Military Leadership

The remarks came during a reported meeting between Mr. Khamenei and senior military commanders in Tehran. This group included armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi, army chief Amir Hatami, and Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi. It was the first reported meeting between them since Mr. Khamenei became supreme leader following his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's killing in U.S.-Israeli strikes at the start of the war in West Asia in February.

Directives

Mr. Khamenei ordered the commanders to ensure that any level or type of threat gets an immediate, impactful, and geographically unrestricted response. He also told them to update Iran's target list to include all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy. The war itself began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which quickly responded with attacks around the region.

Diplomacy

Fresh diplomatic efforts are under way to prevent fighting from resuming. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday for talks with Iranian officials after Iran reportedly received a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Iranian media reported that Tehran had not yet responded to the letter.

Context

Supreme leaders in Iran hold ultimate political and religious authority over all state matters, including the armed forces. Tensions in West Asia remain extremely high following the outbreak of hostilities earlier in the year, with regional diplomacy frequently stepping in to prevent further escalation.