Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has ordered the country’s armed forces to respond immediately and without geographic limits if Iran is attacked again, according to a statement from his office published on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The order, issued after a meeting with senior military commanders, also directs the military to update its target list to bring United States and Israeli assets within reach.
“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, as reported by multiple outlets.
What the order says
According to the statement, Khamenei ordered commanders to ensure that “any level or type of threat must be met with an immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response.” He also ordered the target list to be updated to include “all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy” — in other words, US and Israeli physical and non-physical assets.
The statement further ordered the armed forces to strengthen intelligence capabilities, develop indigenous defence capabilities, and increase production of ammunition and weapons for reconnaissance, support and combat operations. Maintaining a high level of combat readiness was described as essential to maximum deterrence.
The meeting brought together senior commanders including armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi, army chief Amir Hatami, and Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi. Commanders briefed Khamenei on military readiness along the Persian Gulf coast, in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, and along the country’s northwestern and southeastern borders.
Warnings from Iran’s military and foreign minister
Iran’s army issued its own warning on Saturday. Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said on X that if the US president “once again embarks on more regional adventurism under pressure from, and in an attempt to appease, the Zionists, the flames of war will undoubtedly engulf a much wider geographical area.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also warned on October 31 that “Iran’s Powerful Armed Forces will deal against those who dare harm our people.”
Why now: reported post-midterm strike plans and mediation
The warnings come amid reports that Washington and Israel are preparing for a possible resumption of strikes on Iran. One report cited by Haaretz said Washington was preparing to resume strikes as soon as November 4, the day after the US midterm elections. That report is unconfirmed, and no new attack has taken place.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts are under way to avert a new round of fighting. Arab News reported that Qatari mediators are in Tehran and that US Vice President JD Vance has reportedly sent a letter to Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei. Those mediation details are reported, not officially confirmed.
Background: a war that began in February
The Middle East war began in late February 2026 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran’s previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in those strikes, and his son Mojtaba succeeded him in March. Reports note that Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over, so Saturday’s statement was issued in writing through his office and his official Telegram account rather than delivered in person.
What is known — and what is not
Known: the statement was issued, its wording has been reported consistently by several independent outlets, and the commanders named attended the meeting. Iran’s army and foreign minister issued matching warnings on the same day.
Not confirmed: whether the United States or Israel will resume strikes, or when. The November 4 timing comes from a single cited report, not an official announcement. The statement itself is a warning and a military directive — it proves the order was given, not that any new attack is imminent or that any target list has actually changed.
Readers should also note that this article reports the statement and the reactions to it. It does not independently verify Iran’s military capabilities or its claims about enemy plans.
FAQ
Q: Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? A: He is Iran’s current supreme leader, who succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after the latter was killed in US-Israeli strikes in February 2026.
Q: Does this order mean Iran is about to attack? A: No. The order is a directive for how Iran’s armed forces should respond if Iran is attacked again. It is a warning, not an announcement of an imminent Iranian strike.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/31/iran-warns-of-unfettered-retaliation-if-attacked-as-mediators-try-for-peace
- The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/irans-supreme-leader-warns-us-israel-against-new-attacks/article71649244.ece
- The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/iran-warns-fresh-us-strikes-would-unleash-flames-of-war-far-beyond-current-conflict?ref=latest
- Arab News: https://www.arabnews.com/middle-east/irans-mojtaba-khamenei-orders-military-response-without-geographic-limits-to-new-threats-3009105
- The Jerusalem Post: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-913390
- Haaretz: https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/2026-10-31/ty-article/irans-khamenei-meets-military-brass-as-u-s-said-to-plot-post-midterm-strikes/000001a1-915e-def7-adad-9bfe31080001
