Agencies | Tehran:
Iran’s central military command has warned that the United States may be preparing to resume military strikes against the country, raising fears of renewed escalation in the region as Washington weighs its next steps.
The warning was issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees Iran’s armed forces. The command said it had received information indicating that Washington was preparing to resume military action, with the backing of some regional countries.
Tehran said any renewed US attack would trigger retaliation against American bases and interests across the Middle East. It also warned regional countries against providing territory or facilities to support a US offensive, saying such states could be considered complicit in any attack.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he was in a “deciding mode” over Iran, with options including further military action, increased economic pressure or reaching a deal. Trump also indicated he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to New York for the UN General Assembly, while Iranian state media reported that President Pezeshkian was also expected to attend. The US has approved visas for the Iranian delegation despite the ongoing conflict, although restrictions have been imposed on its movements.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran should use military pressure to counter its opponents before turning to diplomacy to secure any gains.
Ghalibaf also said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington meets what Iran describes as its commitments under an earlier agreement.
Iran has conveyed conditions for any renewed negotiations through mediators, including an end to US military action, the release of frozen Iranian funds and the lifting of restrictions affecting Iranian ports, according to reports.
Qatar, which has been mediating between Tehran and Washington, has continued diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations. Qatari officials have reportedly been moving between capitals and exchanging proposals, while Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Doha had received assurances from US officials that Washington wanted an agreement.
The competing signals from Tehran—warnings of retaliation alongside continued engagement through mediators—underscore the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the conflict. Iranian officials have indicated that they remain open to diplomacy while preparing for the possibility of renewed military confrontation.
The confrontation is also affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
Recent shipping data showed a sharp decline in vessel traffic through the waterway. Reuters reported that only 17 commodity vessels crossed the strait over the weekend, compared with 37 the previous week and far below pre-war levels.
The conflict began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, according to current reporting. A framework reached in June had reduced the intensity of fighting, but subsequent disagreements and renewed tensions have kept the situation volatile.
With Washington considering its next move, Tehran warning of retaliation and Qatar pressing for renewed talks, the coming days around the UN General Assembly could prove significant for both diplomacy and the wider regional security situation.
