Mojtaba Khamenei says any renewed US military action would expand the conflict, as Tehran rejects expectations of a change in Washington’s policy after the US midterm elections.
TEHRAN, IRAN — WEB DESK: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that the Middle East conflict would widen if the United States resumes military attacks, dismissing expectations that Washington’s policy towards Tehran could change following the US midterm elections.
In a written statement issued on Wednesday, Khamenei said those expecting a shift in US behaviour because of changes in political parties or factions were mistaken. He also rejected the idea that concessions to Washington could end American hostility towards Iran.
“Should such aggressions be repeated, its scope will become much wider,” Khamenei warned, without specifying which countries or targets could be involved. The statement was reported by AFP and published by Iranian media.
Iran dismisses expectations of change in US policy
Khamenei’s remarks followed the US midterm elections, in which President Donald Trump’s Republican Party suffered major losses. Iranian officials portrayed the results as a sign of public opposition to the war.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who is also involved in negotiations with Washington, said American voters had rejected the war. He warned the US government against disregarding public opinion by launching further attacks.
Khamenei, however, argued that a change in political control in Washington would not necessarily alter what he described as longstanding US hostility towards Iran.
Trump signals military options remain open
The warning comes amid uncertainty over whether Trump will order further military action.
The US president has said American forces remain prepared to act if necessary, while also suggesting that a full-scale return to war might be avoidable. He recently described a US strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island as a limited operation, according to reporting by AFP.
Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island following the strike. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed that a US drone had been intercepted and destroyed there; the claim had not been confirmed by Washington in the available reporting.
Diplomatic efforts continue despite military warnings
Despite the threats, diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators remain underway.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his government continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution. Qatar has also expressed hope for an interim arrangement, saying both sides are reviewing proposals presented by mediators.
China has described preventing a return to hostilities as a priority in its diplomatic engagement with countries involved in the crisis.
