US and Iran exchange threats as fears grow of renewed all-out war

Ahead of Monday's UN General Assembly session in New York, Iran and the United States publicly exchanged threats, fueling concerns that the conflict could escalate back into all-out war. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi said the war with the US is not over and that Iran has prepared for a long-term confrontation using new, previously unused weapons systems he described as strategic.

Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, together with the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, claimed that control of the Strait of Hormuz had shifted to Iranian management and vowed its forces would not stand down. The Khatam al-Anbiya command also said it had obtained intelligence suggesting the US was preparing to resume strikes on Iran with backing from unnamed regional countries, following a closed-door meeting in an unspecified European country. Iran warned that any new US attack would trigger continuous, painful strikes on all American bases and interests in the region, and officials also raised the possibility of targeting US naval forces in the Indian Ocean.

Trump's position

US President Donald Trump, who abruptly cut short his weekend at Camp David and returned to the White House on Saturday, told Fox News he was weighing his options regarding Iran, including previous threats. He has previously said he would wipe Iran off the map, drawing significant criticism. Trump is reportedly considering three paths: a large-scale military strike, a tighter economic blockade, or a diplomatic deal at the UN gathering, where he is expected to meet leaders of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states. The US State Department issued fresh security warnings for Americans across the Middle East, urging those in Iran to leave immediately.

Iran's conditions for peace

Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei reiterated Tehran's preconditions for peace: lifting the US blockade on Iranian oil ports, unfreezing Iranian assets, and removing sanctions on oil exports. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday that Iran has no interest in a permanent war with Washington.

Tensions were further heightened by Saturday's Houthi strikes on Riyadh and Aramco facilities in the port city of Yanbu, using ballistic and cruise missiles along with drones. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a missile near Riyadh and confirmed a fire at a fuel depot, while the Houthis claimed to have caused major fires at Aramco sites. Trump said the US remains in constant contact with the Houthis, who he said had agreed not to go to war with Washington, though he rejected a request from the Saudi crown prince for direct US military assistance against the group.