Iran’s Supreme Leader threatens US with response if strikes are launched after midterms

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1. 1h ago

   Iran Supreme Leader Threatens US Response Over Post-Midterm Strikes

   Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the United States against resuming military strikes after the midterm elections, vowing a maximum, geographically unrestricted response. The stern warnings unfold as international mediators push for a lasting deal in Doha to end the ongoing war. A US official confirmed that limited defensive strikes targeted Iranian surface-to-air missile assets in the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian forces targeted US assets. Meanwhile, regional diplomats remain braced for further escalation while the Trump administration navigates competing pressures from allies.

   Why it matters

   Tensions have intensified on the eve of critical American midterm elections, complicated by reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing for post-election attacks. The Trump administration previously stated that the United States would not launch strikes before the midterms, though Gulf allies have reportedly been alerted to prepare for potential operations. Regional intermediaries continue emergency diplomatic efforts in Qatar to broker an agreement under the shadow of renewed hostilities.

   What is confirmed

   • Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the US against resuming strikes following the midterm elections.
   • A US official stated that the US conducted defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz.
   • Iranian state television reported that explosions were heard on Qeshm Island.
   • Mediators have been pushing for a deal to end the US-Iran war as both sides publicly exchange threats.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Trump administration has alerted Gulf allies to prepare for new strikes as soon as Wednesday.
   • Netanyahu is pressing Trump to attack Iran after the midterms.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the US midterm elections and any immediate military actions following them.
   • Progress or breakdown in mediated negotiations taking place in Doha and Qatar.
   • Potential regional fallout involving Gulf allies if new US strikes materialize.
   Sources used for this update (15)

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   5. CBS News — Iran War Updates: Qatar pushes for U.S.-Iran deal under shadow of Trump's threats to resume attacks
   6. Axios — Iran's supreme leader orders "maximum" response to any U.S. attack
   7. Al Jazeera — Iran warns of unfettered retaliation if attacked as mediators try for peace
   8. Iran International — Live - Tehran threatens wider strikes if attacked as talks continue in Doha
   9. The Hill — Iran’s Supreme Leader threatens US with response if strikes are launched after midterms
   10. www.cbsnews.com — Live Updates: Negotiation push for U.S.-Iran deal punctuated ...
   11. www.commondreams.org — Judge denies another Trump administration attempt to meddle with voter data in Common Cause v. DOJ
   12. krmg.com — Netanyahu is pressing Trump to attack Iran after the midterms, officials tell AP - 96.5 KRMG
   confidence 95%