Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly signaled a careful stance aimed at preventing a direct military clash with the United States. The New York Times reported this posture, citing unnamed sources close to Iran’s leadership. The message was conveyed as part of a broader summary of the results from an emergency session of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. In that session, Khamenei outlined the strategic options Tehran would consider if the United States escalated with attacks on Iran, its regional allies, or its circle of influence. The emphasis was clear: deter a direct confrontation while keeping options open for a measured retaliatory response if needed.
