Iran orders military to respond ‘unrestrictedly’ to any attack

Khamenei also expressed appreciation for what he termed the “Resistance Front,” an Islamist militant organization operating in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of “unity of fronts” as a strategic factor in shaping the political and security landscape of West Asia.

According to the statement, Iran’s military has been instructed to update its “Targets Bank” to include both tangible and intangible assets of the United States and Israel. This suggests a broadening of potential targets beyond military installations and an expectation of engagement from proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

The orders come amid reports suggesting a potential US-Israeli attack on Iran shortly after the US midterm elections on Monday, November 3. The New York Times reported last week that joint US-Israeli plans for such an action have been drawn up. Qatar has been attempting to mediate negotiations between Iran and the United States, but recent reports indicate no US representatives were present for meetings in Doha.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described US efforts to open dialog as “a positive step,” noting that discussions with Qatari mediators have expedited a proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that Iran’s conditions include lifting sanctions imposed following the Islamabad memorandum, reducing US forces in the region, restoring oil waivers, and releasing frozen funds, including those held in Qatar. Araghchi also warned that Iran does not rule out the possibility of war and is prepared for all scenarios, citing upgrades to weaponry and heightened military readiness.

Separately, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported that four oil tankers, including a “supertanker” carrying over two million barrels of oil, were struck by mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. The Guard claims the vessels were using unauthorized routes and ignored radio warnings. Oman evacuated 25 crew members from a Panama-flagged tanker involved in the incident. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported a vessel was hit by an “unknown projectile” south of Lavan Island. An Iranian official reported two fishermen missing and two injured in a separate attack, blaming the United States. Iran has repeatedly warned vessels traversing the strait without permission would face “destruction,” asserting control over the waterway since the conflict began on February 28.