Iran's defense minister, Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, has issued a warning to the United States, stating that "If the American enemy commits another miscalculation, the response from the proud Iranian nation and the warriors of Islam will be both surprising and extensive." He further emphasized that "The regional and global consequences will rest solely upon the terrorist US government and its allies," and that "defensive capabilities have been refined and updated to such an extent that they have altered the enemy's assessments and calculations."
Key points
Iran's defense minister warns the US of potential retaliation.: Iran's defense minister warns the US of potential retaliation.
The warning is seen as a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the US.: The warning is seen as a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the US.
The defense minister emphasizes that "defensive capabilities have been refined and update…: The defense minister emphasizes that "defensive capabilities have been refined and updated to such an extent that they have altered the enemy's assessments and calculations."
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
This is an entry from: Live: Rubio says US wants Israel to 'crack down' on settler attacks
Iran's new defence minister issues warning to the US
18 October 2026 10:59 BST
Iran's newly appointed defence minister, Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, has issued a warning to the US, saying: "If the American enemy commits another miscalculation, the response from the proud Iranian nation and the warriors of Islam will be both surprising and extensive."
He added: "The regional and global consequences will rest solely upon the terrorist US government and its allies."
Ketabchi further said that "defensive capabilities have been refined and updated to such an extent that they have altered the enemy’s assessments and calculations."
The incident occurred after a sudden downpour triggered a crowd surge, causing hundreds of visitors to rush into the pandal for shelter. The West Bengal chief minister, Suvendu Adhikari, blamed the organisers' callousness and appealed to puja committees across Kolkata to adopt safety measures. The incident is being reviewed by a high-level committee formed to review safety arrangements at major Durga Puja marquees across West Bengal.
Parisians woke up to scenes of violence and looting as protests against school conditions and rising living costs turned into clashes with police. At least 1,200 people were arrested, and shops were damaged and looted. The French government described the situation as an "escalation in violence."
Jordan is experiencing a surge in drug smuggling operations across its border with Israel, utilizing sophisticated methods such as drones and helium balloons, following changes in the regional drug trade. This escalation coincides with Jordanian security forces' increased focus on the Jordan-Israel border, with 17 interception operations linked to drones recorded in the first half of 2026.