Iran's Supreme Leader Orders 'Geographically Unrestricted' Response to Any US or Israeli Attack

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has directed the country's military commanders to prepare for an immediate and geographically unrestricted response to any threat from the United States or Israel, according to statements issued by Iran's official news agency on October 31. Khamenei made the directive during a meeting with senior military officials, including the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, the Army Commander, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. He emphasized that military target databases must be comprehensively updated to ensure "all kinds of physical and non-physical assets" of the U.S. and Israel are within reach of Iran's armed forces. The Iranian military commanders reported increased production of ammunition and weapons systems, with one state media report citing a sevenfold increase in weapons production.

Khamenei's statement comes amid U.S. reports that the Trump administration has notified Gulf countries to prepare for renewed military strikes against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections. The directive represents a significant escalation in rhetoric, with Iranian military officials further warning on November 1 that any new conflict could last longer than previous clashes and would not be determined by U.S. decision-making. An Iranian army spokesperson stated that the geography of a potential conflict would not be confined to the West Asia region, suggesting possible targets beyond the Middle East. The Institute for the Study of War assessed that Khamenei's threats are likely intended as deterrence rather than imminent military action.

Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts continue to de-escalate tensions. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on October 31 that a new proposal has been reached with mediators that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the U.S. agrees to lift its blockade of Iranian ports, release frozen Iranian assets, and waive sanctions on Iranian oil sales. Araghchi expressed hope that "rationality" would lead the U.S. to pursue diplomacy and noted that recent American overtures, including a letter from Vice President JD Vance, are viewed positively by Tehran. A Qatari mediation team reportedly held 12-hour talks with Iranian officials and maintained frequent contact with U.S. negotiators.

Regional leaders have called for calm amid escalating tensions. At a security forum in Bahrain on October 31, Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the region seeks a return to peace, while Egypt's Foreign Minister warned that renewed escalation would be "more dangerous, more destructive, and will lead to nowhere." The broader Gulf region remains economically vulnerable to the conflict, with the U.S. Treasury estimating headline inflation in Iran at 90 percent in September following sanctions and a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, has already cost the U.S. approximately $47 billion according to U.S. Central Command estimates.