IRGC Warns US and Israel of 'Decisive and Destructive Response' to Any New Attack, Threatening New Targets and Altered Geography of Conflict

The UN fact-finding mission states Iran committed crimes against humanity in January 2026, while Iran's UN ambassador rejects the findings and accuses the US of crimes against humanity.

Here's exactly what each side is claiming.

The disagreement: The UN mission found Iran responsible for widespread and systematic attacks on civilians during protests, constituting crimes against humanity, a finding Iran's UN ambassador explicitly rejected, instead accusing the US of crimes against humanity through economic pressure and foreign interference. Donya-e-Eqtesad broadly states 'UK Military Support for Saudi Arabia Against Yemen Has Begun,' while international reports specify the support as 'defensive air-to-air refuelling' for Saudi jets.

Each outlet's position is reported as that outlet's position, not as established fact. Every contradiction we've recorded →

Tensions are high following explicit threats from Iran's IRGC against the US and Israel, coupled with ongoing Houthi advances in Yemen, direct UK military support to Saudi Arabia, and a UN report accusing both Iran and the US of war crimes/crimes against humanity. US sanctions pressure on Iranian airlines and visa denials for the Iranian UN delegation further escalate diplomatic friction.

📌 Key developments

• Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned the United States and Israel against further military escalation today, stating Iranian forces are prepared for a 'decisive and destructive response' to any new attack or 'miscalculation'. The IRGC threatened to expand targets, alter the geography of confrontation, and deploy new weapons if the US launches a new offensive.
• UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham today agreed to provide 'defensive air-to-air refuelling' for Saudi aircraft to counter attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This time-limited mission will be kept under review.
• G7 foreign ministers today urged Iran to halt its arming and support of Yemen's Houthis, condemning Houthi strikes against Saudi Arabia and warning that such backing risks international trade and global instability.
• Houthi fighters are pushing to seize strategic mountain positions in Yemen today to cut off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed forces, intensifying fighting. The Houthis claimed a new attack on Riyadh on Saturday, September 20, which was reportedly intercepted.
• A UN fact-finding mission reported on Monday, September 21, that it has 'reasonable grounds' to believe Iranian authorities committed 'crimes against humanity' during their crackdown on anti-government protests in January 2026, and that the United States committed 'war crimes' in two military strikes on a school and sports facility in Iran in February.
• The United States has denied visas to members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's delegation, including his communications team, to attend this week's UN General Assembly meeting in New York. President Pezeshkian is still expected to address the UNGA on Wednesday.
• US federal prosecutors are investigating Binance for possible violations of Iran sanctions, examining if the cryptocurrency exchange knowingly allowed prohibited trading activity. Binance stated it has a zero-tolerance approach to sanctions violations and cooperates fully with law enforcement.
• Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani today proposed 'economic interdependence' between Iran and its Gulf neighbors as a path to long-term stability, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution and security guarantees.
• Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged a phased disarmament of Iran-backed militias by June 30, 2027, with a 90-day period for militias to halt attacks and receive assurances against US targeting. However, Iran is reportedly pressuring Iraqi Shiite militias not to surrender their weapons.

💡 Why it matters

For investors, the IRGC's threats and ongoing Houthi advances signal continued high risk to regional energy supplies and shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Policymakers face a complex diplomatic challenge with escalating rhetoric from Iran, direct military involvement from the UK, and renewed calls for regional dialogue from Qatar. Journalists should focus on verifying any new military actions, tracking the implementation of UK support, and monitoring the impact of US sanctions on Iranian aviation and the broader economy, as well as the diplomatic exchanges at the UN General Assembly.

🎭 People in the news

• Hossein Mohebbi — IRGC spokesperson who issued explicit warnings to the US and Israel, threatening new targets and altered conflict geography.
• Andy Burnham — UK Prime Minister who approved defensive air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi aircraft to counter Houthi attacks.
• Masoud Pezeshkian — Iranian President whose delegation members were denied US visas for the UN General Assembly, but is still expected to address the body.
• Sharmineh Chahalamirani — Iranian shooter whose clothing issues led to the disqualification of Iran's mixed rifle team at the Asian Games. [Provided Input]
• Majed Al Ansari — Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson who proposed economic interdependence between Iran and Gulf states for long-term stability and is mediating US-Iran talks.
• Scott Bessent — US Treasury Secretary who warned that all Iranian airlines could be 'shut down around the world' from September 23 due to US sanctions.
• Ali Bahreini — Iran's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, who rejected the UN fact-finding mission's report accusing Iran of crimes against humanity.

👀 What to watch

• Statements or actions from Iran regarding the US visa denials for its UN delegation and the US threat to ground Iranian airlines.
• Further details or reactions to the UN fact-finding mission's report on war crimes and crimes against humanity from both Iranian and US officials.
• Any new military engagements or Houthi advances in Yemen, and the immediate impact of UK air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi Arabia.