US and Iran trade threats as fears of return to all-out war mount

The United States and Iran have engaged in a cycle of threats, heightening concerns over the potential return to full-scale conflict in the Iran war as the UN General Assembly approaches in New York. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Monday that the war with the US is far from over and that they are prepared for a prolonged conflict, with weapons not yet deployed.

Iran's Armed Forces General Staff declared control of the Strait of Hormuz and asserted their readiness to resist any new US attacks, targeting US bases and interests in the region. Iran's leaders have warned of possible retaliatory actions against US naval forces in the Indian Ocean.

In response, the US President, Donald Trump, announced he was reconsidering his options regarding Iran, ranging from a large-scale military strike to a tightened economic blockade or a diplomatic deal at the UN General Assembly. Trump reportedly contemplated the notion of "wiping Iran off the face of this Earth," leading to significant criticism. The US administration is said to be evaluating three potential strategies, with Trump expected to consult the leaders of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states during a meeting.

The State Department issued heightened security advisories for US citizens in the Middle East, urging immediate evacuation and warning of possible flight disruptions and airspace restrictions. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, reiterated Iran's preconditions for peace, which include lifting the US blockade on Iranian oil ports, returning frozen assets and removing sanctions on oil exports.

Speaker of Iran's Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, affirmed Tehran's lack of interest in a permanent war with Washington, despite the escalating rhetoric.

These developments follow the recent Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, targeting Riyadh and Aramco facilities in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, utilizing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The Saudi air defenses intercepted one ballistic missile over Riyadh, resulting in a fire at a fuel depot near King Khalid International Airport.

The Houthis claimed significant fires at Aramco facilities, while the Saudi-led coalition denied these allegations, stating that their attacks on Yanbu, Taif, Bisha, and Farasan were thwarted. Trump acknowledged ongoing communication with the Houthis, asserting that they had agreed to refrain from a war with Washington. However, Trump reportedly rejected Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's request for direct US military support against the Houthis, according to US media reports.