Iran readies for escalation after Khamenei directs expansion of US and Israel targets
Photo: Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei (Getty Images)
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered the military command to prepare for a possible resumption of confrontation with the US and Israel. He also directed an expansion of the list of potential targets and the enhancement of the country’s capabilities for retaliatory strikes, according to Bloomberg.
Khamenei addressed the leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the army, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces. He emphasized that Iran must respond immediately and effectively to threats of any kind, regardless of geographic location.
“Every level and type of threat must be met with an immediate, effective response, without geographical limitations," the Iranian Supreme Leader emphasized.
He also ordered the military to update the list of potential targets so that all types of US and Israeli assets would be within reach of the Iranian armed forces.
Khamenei described readiness for large-scale confrontation with adversaries as one of the key conditions for deterrence. Separately, he called on the command to enhance Iran’s military capabilities through new technologies.
US and Israel prepare new strikes on Iran
On October 29, Axios reported that the US and Israel had prepared a plan for large-scale strikes on Iran. According to American and Israeli officials, the operation could begin after the US midterm elections to Congress, scheduled for November 3, and last about a week.
The Wall Street Journal also wrote that Washington had warned several Persian Gulf countries about the likelihood of a resumption of short-term war with Iran.
At the same time, Qatar is trying to prevent new escalation. According to diplomatic sources cited by Axios, Qatari mediators held negotiations in Tehran on October 30 that lasted more than 12 hours.
They are seeking to agree on the resumption of direct negotiations between the US and Iran to prevent the start of a new military operation.
