DUBAI/WASHINGTON – Iran has warned that any renewed United States military attack could escalate the conflict beyond the Middle East, as fragile diplomatic efforts continue amid persistent tensions between Tehran and Washington.
In a statement carried by state media, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said a repeat of aggression would expand the conflict’s geographic scope. “If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will extend beyond the region this time,” the statement read.
The warning comes after United States President Donald Trump said he had recently come close to ordering a renewed bombing campaign against Iran but delayed the decision to allow space for diplomacy. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he said he had been “an hour away” from authorizing military action.
The standoff follows a fragile pause in hostilities after the suspension of Operation Epic Fury six weeks ago under a ceasefire arrangement. Since then, negotiations aimed at ending the conflict have largely stalled despite intermittent diplomatic exchanges.
Iran recently submitted a new proposal to the United States, but it reportedly restates earlier demands previously rejected by Washington. These include proposals related to control of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, compensation for war damage, release of frozen assets, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region.
Tehran has also signaled it could impose access conditions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Washington has described such conditions, including potential transit fees, as unacceptable.
Diplomatic activity has continued in parallel. Pakistan’s interior minister recently arrived in Tehran, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency. Pakistan previously hosted an earlier round of talks and has been acting as an intermediary in communications between the two sides.
On the security front, Iran has restricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict, allowing passage primarily for its own vessels. The United States responded last month with measures affecting Iranian port access, further tightening maritime tensions in the region.
Despite restrictions, shipping activity has shown signs of partial recovery. Monitoring group Lloyd’s List reported increased transits through the strait in recent days, although volumes remain far below pre-war levels.
Energy markets have remained volatile amid the uncertainty. Brent crude prices fluctuated following shifting signals from Washington on the possibility of renewed military action. Analysts said markets are reacting to inconsistent policy signals and ongoing geopolitical risk.
Tensions have also spread across the wider region. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported drone-related security incidents, while Jordan said it intercepted an incoming drone. In recent weeks, several Gulf states have reported incursions attributed to militia networks operating in neighboring territories.
The broader conflict, which began earlier in the year involving U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iranian targets, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement across multiple countries, including Lebanon.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have previously stated that their objectives include curbing Iran’s regional influence and dismantling its nuclear and missile capabilities. Iran, meanwhile, maintains that its strategic deterrence capacity remains intact.
The evolving crisis continues to draw in international stakeholders, with shipping disruptions, energy market instability, and diplomatic uncertainty reinforcing concerns about a wider regional escalation if negotiations fail to progress.
The warning comes after United States President Donald Trump said he had recently come close to ordering a renewed bombing campaign against Iran but delayed the decision to allow space for diplomacy. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he said he had been “an hour away” from authorizing military action.
The standoff follows a fragile pause in hostilities after the suspension of Operation Epic Fury six weeks ago under a ceasefire arrangement. Since then, negotiations aimed at ending the conflict have largely stalled despite intermittent diplomatic exchanges.
Iran recently submitted a new proposal to the United States, but it reportedly restates earlier demands previously rejected by Washington. These include proposals related to control of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, compensation for war damage, release of frozen assets, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region.
Tehran has also signaled it could impose access conditions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Washington has described such conditions, including potential transit fees, as unacceptable.
Diplomatic activity has continued in parallel. Pakistan’s interior minister recently arrived in Tehran, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency. Pakistan previously hosted an earlier round of talks and has been acting as an intermediary in communications between the two sides.
On the security front, Iran has restricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict, allowing passage primarily for its own vessels. The United States responded last month with measures affecting Iranian port access, further tightening maritime tensions in the region.
Despite restrictions, shipping activity has shown signs of partial recovery. Monitoring group Lloyd’s List reported increased transits through the strait in recent days, although volumes remain far below pre-war levels.
Energy markets have remained volatile amid the uncertainty. Brent crude prices fluctuated following shifting signals from Washington on the possibility of renewed military action. Analysts said markets are reacting to inconsistent policy signals and ongoing geopolitical risk.
Tensions have also spread across the wider region. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported drone-related security incidents, while Jordan said it intercepted an incoming drone. In recent weeks, several Gulf states have reported incursions attributed to militia networks operating in neighboring territories.
The broader conflict, which began earlier in the year involving U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iranian targets, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement across multiple countries, including Lebanon.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have previously stated that their objectives include curbing Iran’s regional influence and dismantling its nuclear and missile capabilities. Iran, meanwhile, maintains that its strategic deterrence capacity remains intact.
The evolving crisis continues to draw in international stakeholders, with shipping disruptions, energy market instability, and diplomatic uncertainty reinforcing concerns about a wider regional escalation if negotiations fail to progress.
