Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says its forces have developed more advanced weapons and are prepared to answer any renewed U.S. aggression before midterm elections.
Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, in an interview with Mehr News Agency published on Wednesday, said Iran's armed forces are fully prepared to repel another potential attack and warned that renewed conflict cannot be ruled out. He suggested the Trump administration could pursue military action ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, arguing that President Donald Trump needs an achievement to present to voters.
He warned that renewed aggression would produce "more painful" consequences for Washington. The IRGC spokesman also accused U.S. mainstream media of hiding the reality of what he described as "ruthless acts of aggression" during foreign wars. He rejected claims of infighting among Iranian officials as "completely false."
Iran Escalates Hormuz Tactics Amid US Strike Fears
Mohebbi's warning comes as tensions remain focused on whether Washington and Tehran can avoid another confrontation.
Iran has adopted new tactics to target ships violating its restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to keep oil prices elevated and influence the U.S. midterm elections, Reuters reported, citing Iranian officials. The IRGC is reportedly using unarmed spotter boats to identify targets after U.S. strikes damaged its radar capabilities. Tehran also plans to expand maritime operations into the Gulf of Oman and other waters.
"The aim is to frustrate efforts by the United States and its allies to bring down global oil prices," one official told Reuters.
Another report suggested that Iran has reinforced nuclear facilities and border defenses while preparing civilians for the possibility of renewed conflict after the elections. Satellite imagery reportedly showed efforts to make sensitive sites more resistant to potential U.S. and Gulf allies' attacks.
US Blockade Halts Iran's Crude Exports
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iran is collapsing under economic pressure and struggling to pay its soldiers, but acknowledged uncertainty over how the eight-month war will end. He outlined possible outcomes, including public uprisings, divisions within the IRGC, or Iran agreeing to a deal to abandon its nuclear program.
Meanwhile, the U.S. blockade has reduced Iran's seaborne crude exports to zero since the second week of September, with exports remaining halted through Oct. 5, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing a report from maritime intelligence agency Vortexa.
Iranian crude held in tankers has fallen to 83 million barrels, including 43 million barrels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz. Vortexa said China's reliance on Iranian oil has eased as Russian crude fills the gap. Iran's liquefied petroleum gas exports also dropped 48% month-on-month to their lowest level since at least January 2023.
