Iran warns the US may resume strikes as tensions rise, while diplomacy continues over military action, sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Warns US May Resume Strikes as Tensions Rise
Iran’s military has warned that the United States could be preparing to resume attacks on Iranian territory, raising fears of renewed fighting after months of reduced direct military confrontation.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees the country’s armed forces, issued the warning on Sunday. Iranian officials said they had received information indicating that Washington was preparing for possible new strikes.
Tehran also warned that any renewed US military action would trigger retaliation against American bases and interests across the Middle East. Iran further cautioned regional countries against allowing their territory, airspace or military facilities to be used in support of potential US operations.
Iranian officials said countries that assist or facilitate attacks could be regarded as involved in the conflict and could face consequences.
The warning comes as US President Donald Trump weighs several options regarding Iran. Trump said on Sunday that he was still making a decision and that possible measures could include additional military action, economic pressure or negotiations.
Trump also indicated that he would be willing to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, leaving open the possibility of diplomatic engagement despite the growing military tensions.
Iran Signals Readiness for Diplomacy and Military Action
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to New York on Sunday to attend the UN General Assembly. His journey included a brief stop in Qatar, a country that has been involved in efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
At the same time, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called for military pressure against Iran’s opponents before any diplomatic process is used to secure political gains.
Iran has communicated several conditions for returning to negotiations through Qatari and Pakistani mediators. Tehran has demanded an end to US military attacks, the conclusion of the war, access to frozen Iranian financial assets and the lifting of a US naval blockade affecting Iranian ports.
Iran has also maintained that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until what it describes as US commitments under an earlier agreement are fulfilled.
The developments indicate that Tehran is pursuing two approaches at the same time: preparing for a possible escalation while keeping diplomatic channels open.
Qatar Pushes for Renewed US-Iran Talks
Qatar has continued efforts to reduce tensions and restart negotiations between Iran and the United States. Qatari officials have been travelling between capitals while exchanging proposals with both sides.
A Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Doha had received assurances from US officials that Washington remained interested in reaching an agreement.
Diplomatic efforts are taking place against the backdrop of heightened military uncertainty. Both Washington and Tehran appear to be maintaining pressure while considering whether negotiations can produce a new arrangement.
The possibility of renewed US strikes has increased concerns across the Middle East, particularly among countries that host American military personnel and facilities.
Strait of Hormuz Faces Growing Disruption
The crisis is also affecting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The strait is one of the world’s most important routes for energy shipments. Disruptions in the area could have wider consequences for global oil and gas markets, shipping and international trade.
Shipping data showed that only 12 commodity vessels crossed the waterway during the weekend, compared with 35 during the previous weekend. The decline highlights the growing impact of the confrontation on maritime traffic.
The latest crisis began in late February following joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran. A 60-day memorandum reached in June helped reduce the intensity of direct fighting, but that arrangement expired last month. Military activity around the Strait of Hormuz has increased since then.
What Happens Next?
The immediate direction of the US-Iran confrontation remains uncertain. Washington is considering military and economic options, while Tehran is warning of retaliation if attacks resume.
At the same time, diplomatic activity involving Qatar, Pakistan and the United Nations is continuing. The UN General Assembly in New York could provide an opportunity for senior US and Iranian officials to explore whether negotiations can restart.
For the region, the most significant concern is whether the current standoff develops into another round of direct military conflict. Any escalation could affect US forces and regional allies, maritime security in the Gulf and the movement of vital energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
For now, Iran says it is prepared to respond militarily while keeping the door open to diplomacy. The coming days could determine whether the two sides move toward negotiations or renewed confrontation.
