Khamenei Warns US, Israel of Wider Response
Khamenei warns US and Israel against returning to war, in a written statement from Iran’s supreme leader that orders the armed forces to meet any new attack with an immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response. The statement, posted on his website on Saturday, also orders commanders to update Iran’s target list to cover all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American and Israeli enemy.
Dawn reported the statement, which came after a reported meeting between Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and senior military commanders. Those present 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 Khamenei became supreme leader.
What Khamenei warns US leaders about
“If the enemies once again launch military or terrorist attacks, it is the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation that will determine the time and conditions for ending them,” the statement said. The wording matters because it claims the right to decide not just how Iran responds, but when a future conflict ends. It also widens the threat beyond a direct military reply: commanders must ensure that any level or type of threat is met with a response that is immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted.
The order to update the target list goes further. It tells commanders to bring all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American and Israeli enemy within range. Reports of the statement, including from TRT World and Daily Sabah, add that Khamenei also ordered stronger intelligence capabilities, faster weapons production, and high combat readiness along the Gulf coast and the Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei has not been seen in public since he became supreme leader, after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the Middle East war in February. The war began on 28 February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and Iran swiftly responded with attacks on countries around the region. That history is why a written statement, rather than a speech, still carries weight: it is the new leader’s first major public military order.
Diplomacy running alongside the warning
The warning came as fresh diplomatic efforts were under way to stop the fighting from resuming. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday for talks with Iranian officials, after Iran reportedly received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance. According to Iranian media, Tehran had yet to respond to that letter. Feature Pakistan reported the arrival of the Qatari delegation in Tehran for peace talks, and the US position on Iran’s enrichment programme remains the central sticking point in those contacts.
Other Iranian voices sharpened the message on the same day. The army warned that any new US attack would only spread the war wider, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran’s armed forces would deal with those who dared harm its people.
Why this warning matters for Pakistan
Frequently asked questions
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
He is Iran’s supreme leader, who took over after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the Middle East war in February 2026. He has not been seen in public since becoming supreme leader.
What did Khamenei warn the US and Israel about?
He warned them against returning to war, and ordered Iran’s armed forces to meet any level or type of threat with an immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response.
What diplomatic efforts are under way?
A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday for talks, after Iran reportedly received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance. Iranian media say Tehran has yet to respond.
Why does this matter for Pakistan?
Pakistan borders Iran, and a wider war would threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices at home, trade routes and the safety of Pakistanis working in the Gulf.
