Iran warns renewed US war could last longer as Trump threatens strikes

Tensions remain high between the United States, Israel, and Iran as diplomatic efforts intersect with renewed threats of military action. President Donald Trump indicated the U.S. could swiftly strike remaining Iranian targets, including Pickaxe Mountain, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged post-midterm strikes. Iranian military officials and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of extended, geographically unlimited retaliation. Meanwhile, mediator talks in Tehran offer potential terms to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian warnings of retaliatory conflict

• ▪Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebbi stated on November 1, 2026 that a vast theatre has been defined for inflicting damage on the U.S. in a military conflict
• ▪Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned on October 31, 2026 that any U.S. or Israeli attack would face an immediate response without geographic limitations

US deliberations on potential military strikes

• ▪Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged U.S. President Donald Trump during an October 31, 2026 phone call to strike Iran after the November 3, 2026 U.S. midterm elections, but Trump stated he prefers diplomatic negotiations over resuming military strikes
• ▪U.S. President Donald Trump stated on October 31, 2026 that the United States still has to take care of one or two targets in Iran, including a suspected underground nuclear complex at Pickaxe Mountain
• ▪U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on October 31, 2026 that President Donald Trump has not made a final decision regarding fresh military strikes on Iran

Diplomatic proposals and negotiation terms

• ▪Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on October 31, 2026 that a new proposal with mediators could shorten the one-week timeline to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to two days
• ▪Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei disclosed on October 31, 2026 that he received a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance proposing to revive diplomatic negotiations
• ▪Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei stated that Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz or negotiate until the U.S. unfreezes assets, lifts sanctions, and ends its naval blockade
• ▪Qatari mediators held meetings with Iranian officials in Tehran over three consecutive days ending November 1, 2026 to facilitate U.S.-Iran negotiations