Iran's Supreme leader calls for 'geographically unrestricted' response to enemy threats

Iran's Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered the country's armed forces to prepare an immediate and "geographically unrestricted response" to any enemy threat, warning that Tehran will decide the timing and terms of any future conflict if the United States or Israel resumes military or terrorist attacks.

According to Reuters, in a written message, Khamenei directed the armed forces to update their target lists to bring "all US and Israeli assets, tangible and intangible," within striking range, while ordering an increase in ammunition and weapons production and stronger military intelligence and indigenous defence capabilities.

In his message, Khamenei called for an immediate and forceful response to any threat, making clear that Iran would not limit the geographical scope of its retaliation. "Immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response" to any enemy threat, he said. He further asserted that Tehran would decide the timing and conditions for ending any future confrontation, warning that any renewed military or terrorist attacks would trigger a fresh conflict.

Beyond expanding its potential target range, Khamenei also called for strengthening Iran's military production capacity, directing the armed forces to increase the manufacturing of ammunition and weapons for reconnaissance, support and combat operations. He also instructed the military to strengthen its intelligence capabilities and develop indigenous defence systems, according to the written message.

The directives indicate Tehran's focus on improving its ability to gather intelligence, sustain military operations and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defence equipment. The latest directives come as tensions continue to escalate between Tehran and Washington over the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing military confrontation. Iran has repeatedly warned that any fresh US or Israeli attack would trigger retaliation, while diplomatic efforts involving regional countries have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.