Iran warns US strikes could expand Middle East conflict

Iran’s army warned on Oct 31 that any new US attack would spread the war further, following threats from America and Israel of additional military action.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also warned on Oct 31 that 'Iran’s Powerful Armed Forces will deal against those who dare harm our people'.

Qatar and Pakistan have been mediating between the warring parties, though talks have not yet led to a lasting agreement.

US Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly sent a letter to Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei, as per a report by the Wall Street Journal, to revive negotiations and prevent further US strikes.

Iran has confirmed receiving the letter but has not announced any response.

The US holds midterm elections on Nov 3, which could determine the direction of the war, which has proven unpopular with American voters following a spike in energy prices due to the conflict.

Israel also held legislative elections, with voters given a chance to offer a verdict on right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to topple Iran’s government.

The Middle East war began in late February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as senior military commanders.

Iran retaliated by targeting US assets across the Middle East, as well as Israel. Recent hostilities have focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial Gulf shipping route for energy exports that Iran has blockaded since the start of the war.

The US has, in retaliation, been blockading Iranian ports in an attempt to squeeze Iran’s economy.