Iran has warned that any fresh military strike by the United States would trigger a different and potentially broader response, involving new weapons and previously untouched targets.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued the warning on Monday, 21 September, as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high despite a recent decline in the intensity of direct fighting. The comments were reported by Al Arabiya.
The IRGC spokesperson said Iran would make “significant changes” to its defensive and retaliatory strategy if the United States launched another attack.
“New weapons with new capabilities will be brought to the battlefield, which will surprise the world,” he said.
The spokesperson did not identify the weapons or military capabilities Iran could deploy. He also gave no details about the potential targets. His remarks, however, suggested that Tehran would not necessarily respond to a future US strike by attacking the same locations targeted during previous hostilities.
According to the statement, Iran has identified other potential targets that have not yet been attacked. These locations could become part of Iran’s response if Washington launches another military operation.
The IRGC also said it was prepared for a prolonged conflict. The statement indicated that Iran was preparing for the possibility of sustained hostilities rather than limiting its planning to a short exchange of attacks.
Iranian state television separately reported that the country’s military central command had said the United States was planning a new military operation against Tehran. No details were provided about the alleged plan, including when it might take place or what its possible targets could be.
The latest warnings come after tensions between the two countries rose sharply towards the end of last month. Although fighting has eased somewhat in recent days, the confrontation has not been fully resolved. Military activity and mutual pressure continue, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategically important waterway has become a major point of concern in the confrontation. Iran has continued carrying out sporadic attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Strait, according to the report. The United States and Iran have also maintained reciprocal blockades around the waterway as part of their efforts to put pressure on each other.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime route for international trade and energy shipments. Continued disruption or a further escalation of military activity in the area could therefore create wider concerns for commercial shipping and regional security.
For Tehran, the latest statement serves as a warning that a renewed US attack could lead to a change in the scope and nature of Iran’s military response. At the same time, the absence of specific details makes it difficult to determine what weapons, targets or operational changes the IRGC may have in mind.
With both sides continuing to signal their readiness for further confrontation, the situation remains uncertain. A fresh round of direct military action could also place additional pressure on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, adding another layer of risk to an already tense regional security environment.
