Iran is preparing a more forceful military response to potential U.S. strikes while offering a seven-day diplomatic proposal through Qatari mediators. This diplomatic push coincides with Tehran’s military readiness and severe economic pressure from a continuing blockade.
Iran Plans Harder Retaliation If U.S. Attacks
Senior Iranian commanders are reviewing plans to target countries supporting U.S. military operations and locations outside the Middle East if the United States resumes large-scale attacks, according to three senior Iranian officials and an insider as reported by Reuters. These targets would expand beyond assets directly linked to the United States.
Hostilities have continued sporadically since an April 8 ceasefire ended a 40-day war, which itself followed U.S. and Israeli air strikes on February 28. Hamidreza Azizi, a senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted that Tehran is uncertain whether President Donald Trump will launch another major campaign or opt for limited strikes against nuclear facilities.
“But they seem determined not to respond symbolically to a symbolic move and instead to escalate in the hope of reestablishing deterrence,” Azizi stated.
Military leaders are evaluating the political hazards for President Donald Trump should the war drag on, especially as opinion polls show the conflict lacks public support among Americans and fuel costs remain elevated prior to midterm elections. Tehran has instructed allied groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen to prepare a coordinated response stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to US interests in the region and outside the Middle East
if a renewed U.S. campaign begins.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated during an appearance on NBC News that his country remains ready for doomsday
war, while emphasizing that he continues to pursue peace so as not to miss any chance for a diplomatic solution.
Tehran Offers Seven-Day Peace Terms
Tehran submitted a proposal to Washington through Qatari mediators during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting regional hostilities within seven days according to Reuters. The move comes as a U.S. blockade cuts off oil exports, a primary revenue source, placing pressure on ordinary citizens.
The terms demand a cessation of hostilities, the removal of the American blockade against Iranian ports, an exemption from oil sanctions, and the unfreezing of at least $12 billion in Iranian financial assets.
Houthi Rebels Seize Strategic Waterways
Global oil prices pushed above $108 a barrel according to reporting by The Guardian following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Saudi Arabia. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility in a prerecorded statement for missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi state-run Aramco facilities in Riyadh and Kurais, the latter located 150 kilometers southeast of the capital.
The United Nations estimated that more than 80,000 people have been displaced by fighting since September. Government forces launched military operations against Iran-backed Houthi rebels along the Red Sea coast following a painful defeat where Houthi fighters captured the port city of Mokha and islands on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Rashad al-Alimi, who leads Yemen’s presidential leadership council, announced a major military operation to recover remaining territories controlled by the Houthis.
Gulf States Delay Hormuz Talks
Gulf states postponed a meeting with Iran regarding the future of the Strait of Hormuz due to a lack of Arab consensus and Saudi anger over Houthi gains in Yemen. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson denied any Iranian involvement in a pipeline attack or the events in Yemen.
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