Iranian leader promises immediate response to threats; Hormuz reopening plan advances

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, stated on Saturday that any threat from the United States or Israel, regardless of its scale or location, will receive an immediate response. According to the official IRNA news agency, Khamenei made these remarks while meeting with military officials. He also requested an updated list of potential targets held by the U.S. and Israel.

Khamenei has not appeared in public since the war began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28. He assumed the position of supreme leader after the initial wave of attacks killed his father and other senior officials. State media reported that he has held a series of meetings with high-ranking government figures in recent weeks.

In parallel diplomatic efforts, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that a new proposal has been reached with mediators. This plan would fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz in just two days. The waterway is a critical route for global energy trade and has been a focal point of the conflict.

Last month, Araghchi proposed reopening the strait within one week if the U.S. lifted its blockade of Iranian ports, released frozen assets, and waived sanctions on Iranian oil sales. That earlier proposal was rejected. In an interview with the Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, Araghchi noted that Iran is not currently planning a direct meeting with U.S. officials. He described recent American efforts toward broader dialogue as a positive step.

Araghchi said Iran has reviewed a letter sent days earlier by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. He stated that a decision on whether negotiations will be direct or indirect will be made once Washington agrees to Iran’s conditions.

Regional leaders gathered at a security forum in Bahrain urged for calm to prevent further military escalation. Waleed ElKhereiji, the vice minister of foreign affairs for Saudi Arabia, said the region seeks a return to peace. He noted that efforts are underway to reach an agreement that ends the Iran crisis.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke at the same event, warning that a second round of conflict would be more dangerous and destructive. He expressed confidence that such an escalation would lead nowhere. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani also attended the forum, where he discussed border security with Jordan.

Al-Shibani stated that border security with Jordan is a shared responsibility. He said a high-level meeting is expected next month to discuss arrangements, noting that there are no current skirmishes between the two countries. These comments followed Jordanian strikes last week in Syria, which Jordan said killed 20 Islamic State militants and some civilians, while Syrian authorities reported seven deaths, mostly women and children. Al-Shibani added that Syria is evaluating joining the Mecca Pact, a Saudi-led defense alliance that includes Turkey and Pakistan.