Iran's Revolutionary Guard has warned that it will use new weapons and target new locations if the US launches a new attack on the country. The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the US President expressing openness to a meeting with his Iranian counterpart. The Guard's "Khatam al-Anbiya" headquarters, which coordinates operations between Iran's armed forces, said on Sunday that any new US attack would be met with a response targeting US interests and assets.
The Guard's spokesperson, Hossein Mobebi, said that Iran is prepared for a long-term conflict and that its response to any new US attack would include "big changes" in its defense and counter-attack. He added that Iran has new targets that have not been attacked before and that the world would be surprised by its new capabilities. The comments were made as the US and Iran engage in a war of words and actions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
US President Donald Trump has expressed openness to a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Trump said that he is in a "decision-making" phase regarding the conflict with Iran and that he has given Iranian leaders a choice between reaching an agreement or facing economic decline or "annihilation". However, it is unclear if a meeting between the two leaders will take place.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has traveled to Doha, Qatar, as part of a trip to New York for the UN General Assembly. The visit comes as Iran seeks to build international support amid the tensions with the US. Araghchi's trip was announced as the US and Iran continue to exchange threats and engage in a propaganda war.
The conflict between the US and Iran has had an impact on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with data showing a decline in the number of vessels passing through the waterway. According to shipping analysts, 12 vessels passed through the strait over the weekend, down from 35 in the previous weekend. The decline comes as tankers and other vessels have turned off their tracking devices to avoid detection.
The tensions between the US and Iran have also raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the region. The US has accused Iran of being involved in a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has denied the allegations. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in a war of words and actions.
Some Iranian lawmakers have called for Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in response to the US sanctions and tensions. However, there are divisions within the Iranian parliament about the move, with some members calling for caution and others arguing that it would be a necessary step to defend Iran's interests.
Key points
- Iran warns of new weapons and targets if US launches new attack
- US President expresses openness to meeting with Iranian counterpart
- Tensions between US and Iran impact shipping in Strait of Hormuz
