Iran's supreme leader orders "maximum" response to any U.S. attack

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, instructed the nation's top military commanders to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential attack by the United States and Israel, according to a statement from his office. This meeting, the first of its kind since the war began, is significant as President Trump considers major strikes on Iran following the midterm elections.

Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since sustaining injuries in an Israeli strike during the war's onset, only issued written statements, sparking concerns about his health. The unusual meeting occurred a day after Qatari mediators held extensive talks in Tehran to try and negotiate a deal to resume direct U.S.-Iranian negotiations and prevent war post-midterms. The discussions persisted in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday.

During the meeting, Khamenei emphasized the importance of maximum deterrence, stating that if the enemies launch military or terrorist attacks, Iran's Armed Forces and the Iranian nation will determine their end. The commanders briefed him on the state of military readiness along key coastal and border areas, as well as the increased production of various types of ammunition and combat weapons.

Khamenei instructed the commanders to update the 'target bank' to ensure the Armed Forces can strike all material and non-material assets of the American-Zionist enemy. He also commended the determination of Iran's proxies in the region and highlighted the unity of different factions as a decisive and strategic element for Iran.