Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered the country’s armed forces to expand their list of potential targets to include US and Israeli assets, warning of retaliation if Washington or Tel Aviv resumes military attacks against Iran.
In directives reported by Iranian media on Saturday, Khamenei called for an immediate and effective military response to any renewed threats, stressing that Iranian operations should not be restricted by geographical boundaries.
The directives called for updating Iran’s military target list to include all tangible and intangible American and Israeli assets that could be brought within the scope of Iranian strikes.
Khamenei also instructed military commanders to strengthen intelligence capabilities, expand domestic defence production and improve the armed forces’ operational readiness.
The measures include developing military reconnaissance capabilities, upgrading defensive systems and increasing the production of ammunition and weapons used in surveillance, support and combat operations.
The Iranian leader warned that Tehran would determine the timing and conditions for ending any renewed conflict if its adversaries launched further military attacks.
He maintained that Iran’s armed forces were prepared to respond decisively to any new offensive, signalling a potentially broader confrontation extending beyond Iranian territory.
The warning comes amid growing speculation that the United States and Israel could launch another round of large-scale military strikes against Iran.
Reports of renewed military preparations have raised concerns about another escalation in the Middle East, even as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a return to full-scale hostilities.
Washington and Tehran remain divided over key security issues, while both sides have continued to issue warnings about the consequences of renewed military action.
Khamenei’s latest directives underscore Tehran’s efforts to strengthen its deterrence capabilities and signal that any future conflict could involve a wider range of American and Israeli targets.
