Iran Discusses Vance Letter, Warns US and Israel of Retaliation
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that a letter from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is under discussion at senior levels in Tehran, though direct talks are not planned. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the U.S. and Israel against further attacks, ordering forces to prepare for immediate retaliation. A U.S. official suggested President Trump might escalate military action if Republicans face a major midterm election loss.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Iran's Foreign Minister confirmed a letter from U.S. VP J.D. Vance is being discussed at senior levels.
- Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of immediate retaliation against any U.S. or Israeli attacks.
- Khamenei ordered Iranian forces to update targets to include U.S. and Israeli physical and non-physical assets.
- A U.S. official suggested President Trump might order a large military operation after midterm elections.
- No direct talks between the U.S. and Iran are currently planned, according to Araghchi.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a letter from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has been discussed at senior levels in Tehran, though no direct talks with the U.S. are currently planned. Vance, who previously led U.S. peace delegation talks, sent the letter earlier this week to a senior Iranian official. Reports from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal suggested Vance proposed resuming peace talks, but U.S. President Donald Trump denied this, stating the proposal was only about discussing the possibility of delivering medical equipment.
Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a warning against further attacks, amid rising expectations of renewed conflict in the Middle East. According to a statement on his official Telegram channel, Khamenei instructed Iran's armed forces to respond immediately and without "geographical limitations to any threat from the enemy." He added, "If the enemies once again launch military attacks or terror attacks, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian people will determine the timing and conditions for their end." Khamenei also ordered an update to military target lists to bring American and Israeli assets, "physical and non-physical," within range of Iranian forces. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since being injured in a U.S.-Israeli attack on February 28.
Separately, a U.S. official indicated that President Donald Trump might be more inclined to order a large-scale military operation if Republicans suffer a significant defeat in the midterm elections. "If he feels humiliated or that his rights have been denied, he will do something bold. This is what everyone is telling the Iranians. Their best chance to reach an agreement is now," the official said.
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