Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has warned the United States and Israel against launching fresh attacks on Iran, saying Tehran would determine the timing and conditions for ending any renewed conflict.
Khamenei issued the warning on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in a written statement following a meeting with senior Iranian military commanders, including Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi, Army Chief Amir Hatami and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi.
“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.
He also directed military commanders to ensure that any threat receives an “immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response”. According to the statement, he ordered an update of Iran’s military target list to include American and Israeli assets.
The warning came as tensions remained high following the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began on February 28, triggering Iranian retaliation against Israel and US-linked targets across the region. Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia separately warned that another US attack could spread the conflict across a wider geographical area.
However, diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed fighting are continuing. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday for discussions with Iranian officials, while reports indicated that US Vice President JD Vance had sent a letter to Iran’s security leadership seeking to explore negotiations. Iranian media reported that Tehran had received the communication but had not announced its response.
Khamenei’s latest remarks underscore the continuing confrontation between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv, even as regional mediators seek a diplomatic solution. The Iranian leader has not appeared publicly since assuming office following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the February strikes.