Overview
- Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered senior commanders to retaliate “immediately” and “without geographic limits” if the United States or Israel strikes, and directed an update of target lists to include material and immaterial assets.
- President Donald Trump said the United States still has “one or two sites” to strike and that the tasks could be done quickly, comments that followed press reports saying the administration prepared a short, intense campaign timed for the period after U.S. midterm elections.
- Reporting by multiple outlets says U.S. officials told regional allies to prepare for possible strikes around the post‑midterm window, though U.S. spokespeople cited in the coverage say no decision to attack has been announced.
- Diplomatic channels remain active: a Qatari delegation has held talks in Tehran and Iran acknowledged receipt of a letter from U.S. Vice‑President J.D. Vance, but mediators have not secured a public de‑escalation.
- The exchange heightens risks to people and trade in the Gulf because Iran has threatened targets such as undersea cables, data centers and ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and the broader conflict began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February and has already caused heavy military and economic costs.