Iran warns new war could outlast previous round of bombardments

As US Donald Trump threatened a renewed military campaign against Iran, Tehran warned that any ensuing conflict would outlast previous confrontations.

Washington Threatens Strike on Mount Kolang

United States Donald Trump stated in Florida that American forces could do everything very quickly regarding remaining sites. We can do this in ten minutes, the American president stated, having not excluded another little Epic Fury last week in reference to the name of the military offensive launched on February 28 by Washington against the Islamic Republic. Trump specifically pointed to Mount Kolang, located near the Natanz uranium enrichment facility 250 kilometers south of Tehran, as a target that needs addressing. US intelligence suspects the mountain shelters an underground nuclear complex. Trump previously threatened to bombard the location in late July. Iranian authorities denied any pursuit of atomic weapons, maintaining their right to civil nuclear power. We have neutralized their nuclear capabilities. We still have to deal with, I would say, one or two sites, the American leader told journalists at his Florida residence. You could probably look at Pickaxe Mountain, and that needs to be dealt with. We can do all of this very quickly.

Benjamin Netanyahu similarly pointed to a historic opportunity to eliminate Iran as a perceived existential threat following legislative elections in Israel, according to TNTV News reporting. Benjamin Netanyahu awaits the formation of a new government in Israel.

Tehran Prepares for a Longer Conflict

Iran responded by asserting that Washington would not dictate the timing or conditions for ending future hostilities. Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stated that a new war could surpass the duration of the previous round of intense bombardments, which spanned nearly 40 days before concluding with an April ceasefire and a June protocol agreement. That fragile understanding broke down over the summer, prompting renewed exchanges of strikes and Iranian targeting of US regional allies from the Gulf to Jordan. The previous phase of the conflict killed numerous Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and caused thousands of civilian deaths.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father in March, warned on Saturday against an immediate, powerful response without geographical limits. The ayatollah, invisible since his appointment, also ordered military officials to update target lists to include all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy. Iran previously threatened to target data centers and artificial intelligence systems, as well as submarine cables in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, at the heart of the conflict. Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran has rearmed, filled its flaws and tested new weapons. We are at the highest level of readiness.

Doha Mediates Last-Chance Talks

Concurrent with military posturing, Qatar spearheaded emergency diplomatic efforts in Doha to avert a resumption of combat. Abbas Araghchi acknowledged receipt of a letter from US JD Vance transmitted via Qatari intermediaries. Araghchi expressed hope that Washington would prioritize diplomacy over military options, while UAE diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash stated in Manama that regional partners favor a breakthrough over confrontation, despite preparations for the worst. Since Friday, Qatar has multiplied initiatives to try to prevent a resumption of armed conflict in the Middle East.

A Qatari delegation acting as a go-between with the United States traveled for talks. US JD Vance’s opening offer distinguishes him from War Pete Hegseth and top American diplomat Marco Rubio, who would prefer to prolong the economic embargo and continue weakening the Iranian regime before new negotiations. Abbas Araghchi initially declared on Saturday that he did not see the need for a meeting with the United States, but nonetheless considered the missive as a positive step. After intensive talks over the preceding two days, Qatar reportedly managed to orchestrate a summit meeting on its soil on the day of the US midterm elections. Abbas Araghchi said he hoped that the opposing party will show reason and favor the diplomatic path rather than other options, adding that The Islamic Republic of Iran remains ready to conduct defense and diplomacy side by side, as cited by the official Iranian news agency Irna. On Saturday, Iran welcomed the change in tone demonstrated by a letter from US JD Vance intended, according to the Wall Street Journal, to relaunch negotiations. UAE officials emphasized that It is not in the interest of the region (…) to experience a new cycle of confrontation.

Iran Seeks Sanctions Relief for Nuclear Concessions

According to Al Arabiya, ongoing negotiations cover several points. Regarding nuclear matters, the transfer of enriched uranium by Iran to a third country is being considered, alongside a reduction in enrichment levels. If secured, an agreement—for which China could act as guarantor—must lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. Finally, any Iranian initiative must be offset by equivalent measures from the United States to reduce sanctions, economic restrictions, and blockades. Rapid reciprocal confidence-building measures must then be initiated.

JD Vance has already participated in two negotiations with Iranians to find an exit from the war. The first took place in Pakistan last April, but failed due to Iranian refusal to advance on the nuclear dossier. The second, after being delayed, ultimately took place in June in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, establishing operational bases to facilitate the return of IAEA inspectors to Iran and the demining of the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, Iranians submitted new proposals without success during the United Nations General Assembly in early September.

In the streets of Tehran, Mohadese, a 27-year-old woman employed in the health sector, tries to chase away negative thoughts and refuses to constantly worry about what might happen.