Iran has issued a new warning to the United States, saying it could deploy weapons it has not previously used and strike new targets if Washington launches another offensive.
The warning comes at a particularly sensitive moment, with President Donald Trump signaling that he remains open to diplomacy while tensions across the Middle East continue to rise.
Iran Warns of a Different Response
Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said Monday that Iran would change both its weapons and the “geography” of the conflict if another U.S. attack takes place.
According to Iran’s Fars news agency, Mohebbi said Tehran has identified targets that have not previously been attacked and is prepared for a prolonged conflict.
Iran did not publicly provide details about the weapons or specific targets referenced in the warning.
The claims about new military capabilities have not been independently verified.
U.S. and Iran Exchange New Threats
The latest statement follows another round of increasingly sharp rhetoric between Washington and Tehran.
Trump has urged Iran to reach an agreement while warning of severe consequences if diplomacy fails.
Iran’s military, meanwhile, has warned that another attack could result in sustained retaliation against U.S. bases and American interests across the region.
Iranian officials have also claimed they have information suggesting another attack may be under preparation, although they have not publicly provided evidence supporting that assertion.
Trump Leaves Door Open to Diplomacy
Despite the escalating rhetoric, a diplomatic opening remains possible.
Trump has said he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to be in New York during the United Nations General Assembly.
Trump is also expected to discuss the Iran conflict with Gulf leaders during meetings surrounding the U.N. gathering.
The combination of military threats and potential diplomatic talks creates two very different possibilities for the coming days: renewed escalation or movement toward negotiations.
Oil Markets Watching Closely
Global markets are also reacting to developments surrounding the conflict.
Oil prices fell to an 11-day low Monday as investors focused on hopes that diplomatic discussions surrounding the U.N. meetings could produce progress.
The conflict has already disrupted major energy and shipping routes in the Middle East, including traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Any renewed military escalation could therefore have consequences far beyond Iran and the United States.
What Happens Next?
Attention now turns to New York and the U.N. General Assembly.
Any confirmed meeting or diplomatic contact between Trump and Iranian officials could become an important development in efforts to reduce tensions.
At the same time, Iran’s latest military warning shows how quickly the situation could move in the opposite direction.
For now, both possibilities remain on the table.
Sources: Reuters; statements reported by Iran’s Fars news agency