Iran Leader Threatens Immediate Response to Potential Attack

Iran's supreme leader has threatened an immediate response to any attack, as diplomatic efforts intensify to de-escalate regional tensions.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated that "any kind and level of threat" from the United States or Israel should be met with an instant and unbounded retaliation, according to the official IRNA news agency. Khamenei, who has not been publicly seen since military strikes began on February 28, reportedly made these remarks during a meeting with military officials. He also called for an updated list of potential U.S. and Israeli targets.

According to state media, Khamenei assumed the role of supreme leader following the deaths of his father and other high-ranking officials in an earlier wave of strikes. He has been engaged in meetings with various senior officials in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister announced that a proposal has been reached with mediators that could fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days. Last month, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had proposed reopening the critical waterway within a week, contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports, releasing frozen assets, and waiving sanctions on Iranian oil sales, among other conditions. This proposal was rejected.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi indicated that Iran does not plan to meet directly with U.S. officials but views recent American efforts toward "broader dialogue" as a positive development. He added that Iran has reviewed a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance and that a decision on direct or indirect negotiations would be made once Washington agrees to Iran's conditions.

Officials from other Middle Eastern nations have also voiced their perspectives. Saudi Arabia's vice minister of foreign affairs, Waleed ElKhereiji, expressed the region's desire for a return to peace and highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent military escalation and reach an agreement to end the current crisis. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, speaking at the same security forum in Bahrain, described any escalation in the region as potentially "extremely destructive."

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani discussed border security with Jordan, noting that a high-level meeting is anticipated next month to finalize arrangements. He stated that there are no "skirmishes" between the two countries, following recent Jordanian strikes in Syria that reportedly killed 20 Islamic State militants but also resulted in civilian casualties, according to Syrian authorities.

Al-Shibani also mentioned that Syria is in discussions regarding potential membership in the Mecca Pact, a Saudi-led defense alliance. He emphasized the region's need for a security structure, regardless of Syria's participation.

This report will be updated as new developments emerge.