US, Israel, and Iran tensions escalate as Tehran issues ultimatum

Tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States are escalating as Washington and Tel Aviv consider further military action following elections in both countries, with Iran issuing a new ultimatum threatening an "unrestricted" response to any attack. US President Donald Trump has suggested fresh strikes could follow next week's midterm elections, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that Washington remains open to diplomacy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the moment a "historic, one-time opportunity" to topple Iran's government, while Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered commanders to update target lists to include American and Israeli assets. The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, and Iran has since restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption, causing energy price spikes. Qatari mediators landed in Tehran Friday, and US Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Iran's security chief, who called the changed tone "a good sign" but insisted the blockade would continue until Iran's conditions, including releasing frozen assets, are met.