Iran Guards Say US And Israel Must Accept Withdrawal From Region.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said the United States and Israel must eventually accept withdrawing from the Middle East, as the conflict continues to put pressure on the region.
In a statement reported by Iranian state media, the IRGC said Washington and Tel Aviv would have to accept what it described as the region’s freedom from their presence. The comments came as tensions remained high between Iran, the United States and Israel.
The latest statement comes after the IRGC warned on Monday that Iran would change its military strategies, weapons and targets if the United States carried out further attacks. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they are prepared to respond to additional military action.
At the same time, US officials have continued to leave open the possibility of diplomacy. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump remains determined to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while the door remains open for Tehran to return to negotiations if Washington considers the talks to be conducted in good faith.
Iran has previously communicated conditions for returning to negotiations through Qatar. Iranian Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei said those conditions include an end to the war on all fronts, the release of frozen Iranian funds and an end to the US naval blockade. Tehran has said it is awaiting a response from Washington.
The conflict is also affecting other parts of the region. Fighting involving Houthi forces in Yemen has intensified, while Saudi Arabia has faced attacks linked to the wider regional conflict. The United Kingdom has agreed to provide limited defensive air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi aircraft following a request from Riyadh.
Tensions have also affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said a second vessel had been struck by debris from an unidentified projectile, adding to concerns over the security of one of the world's most important energy and shipping routes.
The continuing military confrontation and diplomatic activity come as world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The conflict with Iran is expected to remain an important issue during discussions between the United States, regional governments and other international leaders. For now, there has been no confirmed agreement ending the conflict, while both military activity and diplomatic efforts continue across the wider Middle East.
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