Iran’s central military command, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, has issued a stern warning that it will launch "continuous, effective and painful" attacks against United States bases and interests across West Asia if Washington initiates military action against Tehran. The statement, reported by state-run media on Sunday, alleged that the U.S. is preparing for such operations with the support of certain regional nations.
"Should the United States make any mistake against the Islamic Republic of Iran, all its bases and interests in the region will be targeted in continuous, effective and painful attacks without any limitation or consideration," the command declared. Furthermore, the military leadership cautioned regional states that any cooperation with U.S. military efforts would result in those countries being treated as active participants in the conflict, effectively ending any expectation of restraint from Iranian forces.
This escalation coincides with an ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, which was reinstated on July 14. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), forces have redirected 109 commercial vessels as of September 20 to ensure compliance with the blockade. While CENTCOM maintains that it continues to facilitate non-restricted commercial traffic, the enforcement has heightened concerns regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that Washington is nearing a significant decision regarding Iran, warning of severe consequences if Tehran does not alter its current trajectory. However, Trump also suggested the possibility of a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In response to the standoff, Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei stated that Tehran has communicated its conditions for de-escalation through Qatari mediators. These demands include a cessation of hostilities, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the termination of the naval blockade. The heightened tensions follow a period of regional instability marked by Houthi missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia, prompting the U.S. to issue security warnings to American citizens across the region regarding potential escalations and disruptions.
