Iran will deploy new weapons and target locations not previously attacked if the US launches a new strike, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned on Monday, as US Vice President J.D. Vance announced Washington will pursue further discussions on the war during this week’s UN General Assembly.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Vance stated that the US is actively working to protect its naval forces, which are currently imposing a blockade on Iran. He emphasised that oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian attacks on commercial ships and tankers.
Vance also affirmed that the US administration is doing everything in its power to mitigate the fallout from rising petrol prices, attributing the surge in energy costs directly to the ongoing war with Iran.
The vice president’s remarks coincided with renewed threats from Tehran, where IRGC spokesperson Hossein Muhebi stated the country is prepared for a long-term conflict.
“If a new aggression occurs, we will certainly change the weaponry and geography of the war,” Muhebi told the Fars news agency.
The warnings follow statements on Sunday from US President Donald Trump, who told Fox News he faces three options regarding Iran and is currently in a “decision-making phase”, indicating that “very big things” will happen in the not-too-distant future.
Trump explained his options are to “completely eliminate Iran”, leave it to “rot economically”, or reach an agreement. “My question is: whether and when I will destroy the whole country, so they have to behave,” Trump added, according to Fox News reporter Trey Yingst.
Despite the rhetoric, Trump stated he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to arrive in New York on Tuesday for the UN General Assembly.
Addressing the timeline of the hostilities, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he could not specify how long the conflict with Iran will last, but noted Washington has discussed the matter with China, describing Beijing as “very engaged” in the process. Bessent also announced that all Iranian airlines will cease operations worldwide on September 23.
Meanwhile, oil prices fell on Monday, approaching $100 per barrel to hit 11-day lows, driven by investor hopes that the diplomatic gatherings in New York could yield progress on the war. Early on Monday, Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures touched their lowest levels since September 10.
By 1254 GMT, Brent crude for November delivery dropped $2.69, or 2.6 per cent, to $101.18 per barrel. US WTI for October delivery, which expires on Tuesday, fell $2.69, or 2.7 per cent, to $97.61 per barrel, while the November contract settled at $93.49.
