Avoid Direct Military Conflict with the U.S.: Instructions from Iran's Supreme Leader

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has instructed to avoid direct military conflict with the United States following a deterioration in relations after an attack on an American base. This was reported by the New York Times, citing Iranian sources.

On Sunday, a drone struck an American base located in northeastern Jordan. Officially, three American soldiers have been killed, and more than 40 soldiers have been injured. Americans have accused Iran-linked groups in the region for the assault on the military facility. The White House has promised to respond to attacks on its military personnel in the Middle East.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked that the response could be "multilevel, occur in phases, and be sustained over time." According to the publication, Iran's Supreme National Security Council held an emergency meeting this week to discuss the situation.

Sources report that after listening to the plans of the meeting participants, Ayatollah Khamenei responded with clear instructions to avoid direct war with the United States and to remove Iran from the actions of groups that have killed Americans.

At the same time, Iran is preparing to retaliate should the U.S. strike back. According to sources, the Iranian command has placed all armed forces on high alert, activated air defense systems, and deployed ballistic missiles along the border with Iraq.