How should I read this claim about Iran?

Start by separating the reported statement from the claim about what orders exist. Even if the remark was accurately reported, it does not by itself prove there is an active, executable military order. Context and confirmation from relevant officials would matter.

It would be a grave thing to say either way. A threat like that can raise the risk of miscalculation, but it is not a good idea to leap from one reported remark to predictions about an imminent strike. Look for reliable, independent confirmation before drawing conclusions.

I’d check the full remarks and when they were made, rather than relying on a short summary. Also, claims about someone’s health or political turmoil don’t establish that a military order exists. Those are separate questions, and speculation can make the story sound more certain than it is.