Iran warned on September 21, 2026, that it would employ 'new weapons with new capabilities' if the United States launched another military assault. Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesman for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated, 'If a new aggression takes place, we will definitely change the weapons and geography of the war,' according to the semiofficial Fars news agency. Mohebbi did not elaborate on the specifics of the new weapons or potential targets.
Earlier, President Donald Trump indicated he might be open to meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. This potential meeting raised hopes for resolving the ongoing conflict, which has seen Iran block the Strait of Hormuz and its allies attack oil infrastructure, affecting global oil prices and inflation.
Trump described his options regarding the conflict as 'wiping Iran out, letting them rot economically, or making a deal,' and expressed uncertainty about the war's conclusion, suggesting it might extend beyond the November midterm elections.
Oil prices fell to their lowest in over a week amid speculation of renewed U.S.-Iran talks and increased Saudi crude exports, despite ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Houthis. Trump also noted that the U.S. was in communication with the Houthis, who reportedly preferred to avoid conflict with the U.S.
Recent violence included Houthi missile and drone attacks on sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu. The New York Times reported that Trump considered joining Saudi Arabia in strikes against the Houthis but ultimately decided against it.
Shipping data indicated a decrease in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with 17 commodity vessels passing over the weekend, down from 37 the previous week. The Yemeni Health and Environment Ministry accused Saudi Arabia of airstrikes that killed four telecommunications workers, describing the attacks as violations of international law.