Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has issued a stern warning to the United States and Israel, urging them not to reignite warfare, according to a statement released on his official website Saturday. Khamenei’s public appearances have been scarce since he succeeded his father as the Supreme Leader, following his father’s death during attacks initiated by the US and Israel at the outset of the ongoing conflict.
In his statement, Khamenei emphasized, “If the enemies launch military or terrorist assaults again, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation will determine the timing and conditions of their conclusion.” This declaration was made during a recent meeting with high-ranking military commanders, including Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi and Revolutionary Guards Commander Ahmad Vahidi. This event marks their first documented meeting as reported in Iranian media.
Khamenei’s Directives to the Iranian Military
Furthermore, Khamenei instructed military leaders to ensure that “any level or type of threat must be met with an immediate, impactful, and geographically unlimited response.” He also demanded that commanders update Iran’s target list to encompass “all types of material and non-material assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy.”
The conflict escalated on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory actions from Iran targeting regional sites.
Khamenei’s warning comes amidst renewed diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing the resurgence of war. A delegation from Qatar arrived in Tehran on Friday to engage in discussions with Iranian officials, following Iran’s receipt of a letter from US Vice President JD Vance. Reports indicate that Iranian authorities have yet to respond to the correspondence.
