Iran has warned the United States that any new military attack would trigger retaliation against American forces and interests across the Middle East, as tensions rise ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Iran’s central military command said it had received information that Washington was preparing to resume strikes on Iran. It also warned regional countries against allowing their territory or facilities to be used to support possible US military operations.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he was considering several options, including further military action, economic pressure or a possible agreement with Tehran. He also said he would be willing to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the UN General Assembly this week.
Iranian officials have said they remain open to negotiations but want several conditions met before talks resume. These include an end to the war, the release of frozen Iranian funds and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Qatar is working as a mediator between Washington and Tehran and has been carrying messages between the two sides. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also travelling to New York for the UN meeting, with a stop in Qatar.
At the same time, the conflict is spreading across the region. Yemen’s Houthi forces have launched attacks against Saudi Arabia, including a ballistic missile attack targeting Riyadh. Saudi Arabia said the missile was intercepted, while regional countries condemned the attacks.
The renewed fighting has also increased concerns over major shipping routes. Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets its commitments, while Houthi activity has raised concerns about shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The situation is already affecting energy and financial markets. Reuters reported on Monday that several Gulf stock markets fell as investors reacted to the latest US-Iran tensions and attacks linked to the conflict.
With diplomacy and military action both still being considered, the coming days around the UN General Assembly could become important for efforts to prevent the conflict from widening further.
