Iran warns US and Israel of forceful response to any threat

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered the Armed Forces to respond immediately and forcefully to any threat from the United States or Israel, without geographic restrictions, during a military summit on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The directive included updating strategic targets to bring US and Israeli assets within reach of Iran's military, while military chief Ali Abdolahi reported increased munitions production and troop deployments across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and border regions. The warning comes amid speculation of possible US strikes after midterm elections, with Iran demanding a full ceasefire, sanctions relief, and asset unfreezing for negotiations. Two fishing boats were attacked near Qeshm island, with Iran blaming the US.