Iran's supreme leader orders 'geographically unrestricted' response to any new US or Israeli attack

Summary

Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, met senior military commanders and ordered them to meet any new US or Israeli attack with a "geographically unrestricted response," according to a written statement reported by RTÉ. The Financial Times reported that the response would be "immediate" as Qatari mediators seek to avert a feared US-Israeli bombing campaign, and that Iran would retaliate without "geographical limitations" if attacked. The Times of Israel reported that Khamenei told Iran's army to target Israeli and US "tangible and intangible assets" if war resumes, that an Arab diplomat is "extremely worried" a renewed war would be more destructive, and that a US delegation is said to be joining direct talks with Iran in Doha after a negotiation breakthrough. The same outlet reported that Iran's army warns any new US attack would spread the war wider. NDTV reported that Khamenei also directed the forces to strengthen Iran's defence technology, and Hindustan Times reported the remarks came during a reported meeting with senior commanders.

Timeline

1. Times of Israel

   31 Oct 2026, 03:43 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that a US delegation is said to be joining direct talks with Iran in Doha after a negotiation breakthrough, and that Iran's army warns any new US attack would spread the war wider.

2. RTÉ

   31 Oct 2026, 11:32 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei met top military commanders and ordered them to meet any US or Israeli attack with a "geographically unrestricted response," according to a written statement.

3. Hindustan Times

   31 Oct 2026, 12:32 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Khamenei warned the US and Israel against fresh attacks and ordered an 'unrestricted' military response to threats, with the remarks made during a reported meeting with senior military commanders.

4. Financial Times

   31 Oct 2026, 13:38 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Khamenei told military commanders the response to any attack will be "immediate" and that Iran will retaliate without "geographical limitations," as Qatari mediators seek to avert a feared US-Israeli bombing campaign.

5. Times of Israel

   31 Oct 2026, 14:20 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Khamenei told Iran's army to target Israeli and US "tangible and intangible assets" if war resumes, and that an Arab diplomat is "extremely worried" a renewed war would be more destructive.

6. NDTV

   31 Oct 2026, 18:26 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Khamenei ordered an "effective, unrestricted geographical response" if US strikes occur and also directed the forces to strengthen Iran's defence technology.