Iran’s military leadership has issued fresh warnings of 'sustained, effective and painful' attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington launches new strikes, as President Donald Trump said he is in a 'deciding mode' over potential military action against Tehran.
Iran sets conditions for talks and Strait of Hormuz access
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz or return to previous negotiation frameworks with the U.S. until Washington meets Iran’s demands. These conditions were conveyed to the U.S. through intermediaries, including Qatar, according to Iranian officials. Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran’s stance is 'completely clear, rational, and non-negotiable.'
Trump threatens 'very big things' as UN General Assembly approaches
In a series of interviews, Trump outlined three potential courses of action: 'wiping Iran out,' allowing its economy to 'rot,' or pursuing a diplomatic deal. He questioned, 'My question is, if and when do I blow the entire nation up? They better behave.' Trump also left open the possibility of meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this week.
Escalating threats and regional stakes
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the military’s central command, warned that any U.S. attack would trigger unlimited retaliation against American bases and interests in the region. The statement also cautioned that regional countries supporting U.S. strikes would be treated as 'parties to the conflict.' Iranian officials claim intelligence suggests the U.S. and allies are preparing for a new offensive, though no specific details were provided.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei reiterated Tehran’s seven conditions for a truce, including an end to the war on all fronts, the release of frozen funds, and an end to the naval blockade. Rezaei stated that Iran is awaiting Trump’s response to these demands.
Diplomatic and military duality in Iran’s strategy
Ghalibaf stressed that Iran must pursue both military action and negotiations simultaneously, describing the approach as 'fighting sensibly and decisively while negotiating with authority.' He framed Iran’s diplomatic position as 'non-negotiable' and accused the U.S. of attempting to impose unilateral terms.
Trump’s remarks follow a seven-month conflict that has seen multiple failed ceasefire attempts, including the collapse of a June memorandum. The escalating rhetoric comes as world leaders prepare to convene at the UN General Assembly, where Pezeshkian is expected to hold meetings with other heads of state.
Regional mediation efforts
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran over the weekend to discuss bilateral relations, though Iran’s foreign ministry stated there were no signs of a U.S. message being conveyed through Pakistani channels.
The standoff underscores the high-stakes brinkmanship between the two nations, with both sides signaling readiness for either renewed diplomacy or expanded military confrontation.