Iran warns of unrestricted retaliation if attacked as mediators push for peace

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned Saturday that Tehran's retaliation would not be geographically restricted if attacked, as Qatari mediators held talks in Tehran to prevent a new US-Iran war. Khamenei issued "important strategic directives" to military commanders demanding "maximum deterrence" and an "immediate and effective response, without geographical restriction" to any future attack, following a letter from US Vice President JD Vance seeking nuclear commitments from Iran. Iran's baseline for negotiations includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting a US maritime blockade, oil sanction waivers, and a truce in regional conflicts. US Central Command reported 70 percent lower strait transits than pre-war levels, while both sides reported recent attacks on vessels.