Iranian Leader Threatens Response to Potential Attack

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, warned of an immediate military response to any potential attacks by the U.S. or Israel, according to state media. The remarks were made during a meeting with military officials, where Khamenei emphasized the need for combat readiness and updated targeting lists for the U.S. and Israel.

The warnings come as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, with fears of a renewed large-scale conflict. Khamenei's comments follow the U.S. and Israel's military actions in February, which resulted in the death of his father and other senior Iranian officials.

Regional leaders, including Saudi Arabia's vice minister of foreign affairs, called for calm and a return to peace. Waleed ElKhereiji stated that efforts are underway to prevent military escalation and reach a resolution to the crisis with Iran.

Egypt's foreign minister also expressed concerns about the potential for an even more destructive escalation, warning that a second round of conflict would likely lead to no resolution. Meanwhile, Syria's foreign minister emphasized that border security with Jordan is a shared responsibility, with plans for a high-level meeting to discuss arrangements.

Jordan acknowledged that recent strikes in Syria killed 20 Islamic State militants, though civilians were also among the casualties. Syrian authorities reported seven deaths, mostly women and children. Syria is also in talks about joining the Mecca Pact, a Saudi-led defense alliance, to enhance regional security.