Iran has ordered its military forces to maintain combat readiness at the highest level amid potential new U.S. military strikes, while Washington officials signal that attacks could launch as early as the weekend. Army Commander Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi issued the directive on Friday, warning troops that any negligence during wartime carries severe consequences.
Tehran Military Orders Maximum Combat Readiness
Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi instructed commanders at all levels to strengthen combat capabilities through careful planning and continuous supervision, according to the Iranian state-backed Tasnim news agency. Jahanshahi emphasized that effective operational readiness requires ongoing training, accurate capability assessments, and rapid correction of deficiencies. The mobilization order follows months of maritime navigation disputes in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and gas shipping lane.
Meanwhile, Iranian parliament member Feda Hossein Maleki told RIA Novosti, as reported by ANTARA News, that Tehran is monitoring U.S. movements in the region and stands ready to use new tactics if military hostilities resume. NBC News reported that the U.S. has gradually evacuated military and diplomatic personnel from the Middle East, mirroring steps taken before the initial February conflict, though the Pentagon declined to comment on the troop movements.
/data/photo/2026/06/08/6a26808fa0e0a.jpg "Photo: Kompas.com")
U.S. Signals New Military Operations and Possible Weekend Strikes
Donald Trump suggested during a Republican midterm primary campaign event in Florida on Friday that Washington might launch a fresh military campaign against Iran if Tehran refuses a negotiated settlement. Trump referenced the U.S. military operation against Iran launched in late February, stating that the U.S. might conduct another small-scale operation if negotiations fail. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack separately stated in a podcast interview with Mario Nawfal that a Washington-led strike against Tehran could happen as early as the weekend, despite Barrack holding no direct portfolio over Iran policy.
Diplomatic efforts led by regional mediators Pakistan and Qatar have reached an impasse. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss de-escalation, according to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Concurrently, Hakan Fidan hosted a ministerial meeting in Istanbul on October 23 involving the E3 nations (Britain, France, and Germany) and the R4 group (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Egypt) to address regional security and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Threatens Subsea Internet Cables and Gulf Oil Infrastructure
In response to the mounting military pressure, Iranian officials have outlined expanded target sets. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that Tehran will target oil facilities, data centers, subsea internet cables, and artificial intelligence infrastructure across seven Gulf countries if attacked again, The Guardian reported via Tirto.id. Hossein Mohebbi, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), previously told The Telegraph that seven major underwater communication cables traversing the Strait of Hormuz represent a new operational target if the conflict widens.
Compounding the regional maritime crisis, Iranian state media reported that seven oil tankers were attacked, burned, or damaged by mines in the Strait of Hormuz, though independent verification of the incident remains pending. At the United Nations, Iran’s charge d’affaires Gholamhossein Darzi sent a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council president, urging the body to condemn what Tehran terms an illegal U.S. maritime blockade.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Iran-U.S. Escalation
Why did the Iranian military issue a high-readiness order?
Army Commander Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi ordered troops to maintain maximum combat readiness on Friday, warning that wartime negligence brings severe consequences amid potential new U.S. strikes.
What did President Donald Trump say regarding military action against Iran?
Speaking at a Florida campaign event on Friday, Trump stated that the U.S. might launch another operation similar to February’s military action if Tehran refuses to negotiate a settlement.
What new infrastructure targets has Iran threatened to strike?
According to statements by Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei reported by Tirto.id, Iran plans to target oil facilities, data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and subsea internet cables in Gulf nations if hostilities resume.
What diplomatic measures are currently underway to stop the conflict?
Hakan Fidan led a multi-nation ministerial meeting in Istanbul on October 23 with European and regional powers, while Qatar and Pakistan continue mediation efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump’s stated timeline points toward potential military decisions following the U.S. midterm elections in November 2026, while regional diplomatic talks and military repositioning continue across the Middle East.
Worth a look