Iran's Supreme Leader Threatens Unrestricted Response to New US Strikes

Mojtaba Jamenei, the new Supreme Leader of Iran, issued a stern warning to the United States on Saturday against launching fresh military or terrorist strikes. The directive came as regional tensions rose amid speculation that war in the Middle East could resume.

Jamenei met with senior military officials on Saturday and instructed them to respond to any attack by the United States or Israel. According to a statement published on his official website, the response must be immediate and forceful. The leader specified that such a countermeasure should face no geographic restrictions.

A separate note attributed to Jamenei on his Telegram channel stated that the Islamic Republic’s armed forces and the Iranian nation would decide when and how to end hostilities. He declared that if enemies return to military or terrorist attacks, Iran will set the terms for the conclusion of the conflict.

The military announcement aligns with diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to combat. Qatari mediators are currently in Tehran. Press reports indicate that US Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, the head of Iran’s security apparatus.

Mohamad Akraminia, the spokesperson for the Iranian army, posted on X that new US adventures in the region would expand the war. He warned that flames of conflict would spread to a much wider geographic zone. Akraminia did not provide additional details on the timeline or specific targets.

In a related development, Iranian state television reported that two fishermen missing since Saturday were located. The men had been missing after an attack on their boat in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran previously accused the United States of being behind that incident.