IRGC Warns of New Weapons and Expanded Conflict Geography if US Attacks, US Imposes New Sanctions on Iranian Airlines
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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued explicit threats of deploying new weapons and expanding the conflict's geographical scope in response to any renewed US aggression. Concurrently, new US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines escalate economic pressure, maintaining high regional tensions.
📌 Key developments
- IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi warned that Iran would change its weaponry and the geography of the war, utilizing new weapons and targeting previously unattacked locations if the United States launches a new offensive.
- Iran's Armed Forces General Staff and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters vowed a 'decisive and destructive response' to any new aggression from the United States and Israel, emphasizing high readiness and domestic military production.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced secondary sanctions on foreign companies providing services to Iranian airlines, effective September 23, aiming to globally ground all Iranian airlines as part of 'Operation Economic Outcast'.
- The IRGC reiterated demands for the United States and Israel to withdraw from the region, asserting the Middle East's freedom from their 'vile and criminal presence'.
- Iran's military command confirmed the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and stated that negotiations with the US will not resume until Washington meets Tehran's conditions, including a cessation of hostilities, unfreezing of assets, and lifting the naval blockade.
- [Sep 21] The IRGC claimed to have shot down a US-made MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicle over the Strait of Hormuz using a new air defense system. US officials later confirmed at least two MQ-1 drones were shot down in recent days.
💡 Why it matters
These developments indicate a hardening of positions from both Iran and the US, increasing the risk of military escalation. Iran's threat of new weapons and expanded targets could alter regional conflict dynamics, while US sanctions further isolate Iran economically, potentially fueling further Iranian retaliation.
🎬 Related video
Source: VOA Farsi · 6 hours
🎭 People in the news
- Hossein Mohebbi — IRGC spokesperson, warned of new weapons and expanded conflict geography if the US attacks.
- Scott Bessent — US Treasury Secretary, announced new secondary sanctions targeting Iranian airlines.
- Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi — Commander-in-Chief of Iran's Army, warned of readiness for direct attacks on Israel.
- Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf — Iranian Parliament Speaker, reiterated Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations.
- Mohsen Rezaei — Iran's top security chief, stated no negotiations until Iran's conditions are met.
👀 What to watch
- Any immediate Iranian response to the US airline sanctions.
- Statements from US or Israeli officials regarding Iran's threats of new weapons and expanded targets.
- Further developments regarding the Strait of Hormuz blockade and potential negotiations.