Iran's supreme leader warns US and Israel against new strikes

· Security · Iran · United States

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the United States and Israel on Saturday against further strikes, saying fresh attacks would trigger a "geographically unrestricted response", state media reported. The warning came as diplomatic efforts continued to avert a resumption of fighting. Qatari mediators held more than 12 hours of talks in Tehran aimed at restarting direct US-Iran negotiations, and Iran's foreign minister signalled progress. US President Donald Trump has held off striking Iran ahead of the Nov 3 midterm elections, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no timeframe has been set for talks and that the military option remains open. Egypt's foreign minister said a new escalation would be more destructive than before.

Why it matters：With Washington weighing military action and Tehran threatening an unlimited response, the standoff affects Gulf shipping, oil markets and the wider Middle East, so whether talks advance or break down will shape global energy and security risks.

Key points

  • Qatari mediators spent more than 12 hours in Tehran trying to restart direct US-Iran talks.
  • Rubio said no timeframe has been set for negotiations and the military option remains open.
  • An Iranian official said the US attacked two fishing boats near Qeshm Island, state media reported.

Sources (original reporting)

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