Iran’s supreme leader warns U.S. and Israel over new attacks
Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran would respond without geographic limits if attacked again, as Washington says no new strikes are decided.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Iran’s supreme leader warns U.S. and Israel: Mojtaba Khamenei said any new attack on Iran would bring an immediate response without geographic limits, according to a statement attributed to his office on Saturday.
The statement came as the United States has not decided whether to launch further military action and Qatari mediators continue trying to keep diplomacy alive, according to CBS News, France 24 and other outlets.
What did Iran’s supreme leader say about new attacks?
Khamenei told senior military commanders that any type of threat should receive an immediate, effective and geographically unrestricted response, France 24 and Channel News Asia reported, citing the statement.
In separate language reported by the Times of Israel and Axios, the statement said that if Iran’s enemies launched fresh military or terrorist attacks, Iran’s armed forces and people would determine when and on what terms hostilities ended.
The reported instruction is a warning about the possible scope of an Iranian response. It does not confirm that Iran has launched a new attack.
Khamenei also told commanders to update Iran’s target list to include tangible and intangible assets belonging to what the statement called the “American-Zionist enemy,” France 24 reported. Axios likewise reported that the statement called for an expanded target bank covering material and non-material assets.
Has the United States decided on fresh strikes?
No. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Saturday that President Donald Trump had not made a decision on restarting military action against Iran, CBS News reported.
Rubio said the United States had the capacity to meet military objectives if needed, but said Washington would prefer a peaceful outcome. Channel News Asia reported that he said the U.S. was open to a diplomatic solution.
That distinction matters amid reports and threats surrounding a possible return to fighting: Rubio’s remarks did not announce a decision to strike.
Are U.S.-Iran talks still happening?
Direct meetings are not currently planned, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Al Jazeera, according to France 24. He said Iran’s conditions were clear and consultations were continuing through mediators.
Qatari mediators had been in Tehran as part of efforts to prevent renewed fighting, CBS News and Al Jazeera reported. Axios said the mediation was aimed at restarting direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The parallel tracks leave a volatile picture: Tehran has issued a threat of broad retaliation if attacked, while Washington says no fresh military decision has been made and intermediaries are still working for talks.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.