US and Iran Escalate Rhetoric Ahead of UN General Assembly
Tensions in the Gulf spike as Washington and Tehran exchange threats of long-term conflict and potential new strikes.
Key points
- Iran's IRGC states it has prepared for a long-term war with unused strategic weapons.
- US President Trump is weighing military strikes, an economic blockade, or a diplomatic deal.
- Houthi missiles struck near Saudi Riyadh and Aramco facilities, escalating regional tensions.
A simultaneous exchange of threats between Washington and Tehran has raised concerns about a return to all-out hostilities ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The rhetoric marks a significant escalation in the ongoing geopolitical standoff, with both sides signaling readiness for prolonged confrontation rather than immediate de-escalation.
According to reports from Euronews.com, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the conflict is not over and that it has prepared for a "long-term war" utilizing strategic weapons that have not yet been deployed. This statement coincides with remarks from US President Donald Trump, who indicated he is weighing severe options regarding Iran, creating a volatile environment in the region.
Iran claims control of Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, in a joint statement with the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, asserted that control of the Strait of Hormuz had passed to Iranian management. The statement emphasized that Iranian forces would not stand down, signaling a firm stance on maritime security in one of the world's most critical oil transit routes.
The headquarters further claimed to have obtained intelligence indicating that the US, with support from unnamed regional countries, was preparing to resume strikes on Iran following a joint meeting in Europe. It warned that any new US attack would result in continuous and effective attacks on all US bases and interests in the region, without restrictions.
US weighs military and diplomatic paths
President Trump, who cut short his Camp David weekend to return to the White House, told Fox News he was weighing his options on Iran. He was reportedly considering three distinct paths: a large-scale military strike, a tightened economic blockade, or a diplomatic deal at the UN General Assembly, where he is expected to meet leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The US State Department issued fresh security warnings for US citizens across the Middle East, urging Americans in Iran to leave immediately due to the risk of flight cancellations and airspace closures. These measures reflect the growing uncertainty surrounding potential military actions and the broader stability of the region.
Regional spillover intensifies with Houthi strikes
The escalating statements followed Houthi strikes on Saturday targeting locations in and around Saudi Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Saudi Arabia confirmed that its air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired at the capital, marking the first direct targeting of the Saudi capital since the resumption of the Yemen war in July.
While the Houthis claimed to have caused massive fires at Aramco facilities, the Saudi-led coalition stated that attacks on several other locations were thwarted. Trump said the US was in constant contact with the Houthis and that they had agreed not to go to war with Washington, though he reportedly rejected a request for direct US military assistance against them.
