Foreign Minister Araghchi meets Russian counterpart, discusses bilateral, regional developments
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi. SCREENGRAB
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi said that the United States forces were “exhausted and worn out,” and that they lacked the capability to launch a new conflict, Tehran Times reported on Monday.
The spokesperson stated that the US “entered the war with all its might in the past and is certainly not in a position now to launch a new conflict that would yield any additional gains for it.” He added that most US bases in the region “have been rendered inactive,” and American forces had “withdrawn hundreds of kilometres away from Iran.”
“From a technical and military standpoint, the United States lacks the capability to launch a new conflict,” Mohebbi said, according to Tehran Times. The spokesperson noted however, that as US midterm elections approach, “it may seek to manufacture some achievements.”
“We do not rule out any possibilities and are prepared to respond. This time, our response will be much more forceful,” he said.
On the IRGC’s military capabilities, Mohebbi stated, “Our capabilities have undoubtedly increased significantly, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and are now at least 1.5 times greater than in the past.”
According to Tehran Times, the spokesperson added that the production of missiles, drones, and other equipment Tehran needed was never halted. “We have even expanded production, improving range, accuracy, and destructive power, while also developing new weapons,” Mohebbi said, adding that if the war escalated, “the IRGC’s surprises will reveal themselves.”
FM Araghchi meets Russian counterpart
Separately, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, with both sides reviewing bilateral, regional and international developments, IRNA news agency said in a post on X.
Lavrov arrived in Tehran for his first visit since the outbreak of the Middle East war, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported earlier in the day. The foreign minister is expected to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the visit, IRIB said, citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
The spokesperson said the visit is part of ongoing bilateral consultations and efforts to follow up on agreements between the two countries. Iran and Russia have strengthened political, economic and military cooperation in recent years amid Western sanctions imposed on both countries.
In January 2025, Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in Moscow, covering cooperation in defence, security, energy, trade and transportation. The agreement also provides for closer coordination on regional and international issues, although it does not establish a mutual defence obligation.
Oil tanker catches fire in Hormuz, IRGC says
An oil tanker caught fire after striking a naval mine in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC Navy said late Sunday.
The blast struck the vessel’s engine room as it attempted to leave the strategic waterway, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported, citing an IRGC Navy statement. The tanker had switched off all its positioning and navigation systems from the start of its voyage and attempted to use what Tehran considers an unauthorised southern route, according to the statement.
The IRGC Navy accused the vessel of violating maritime regulations governing passage through the strait. It warned that ships operating in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf with their navigation and identification systems switched off would face a firm response.
Read: Vance acknowledges ‘failures’ in US handling of Iran war
The statement did not identify the tanker or provide information on possible casualties or the extent of the damage.
The announcement follows a series of similar incidents in the strategic waterway. On Saturday, the IRGC Navy said a second supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil struck a naval mine and caught fire while attempting to cross the strait through an unauthorised route.
A day earlier, the Iranian force reported that another tanker had struck a mine, triggering an explosion and fire.
The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington later imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The US and Iran subsequently signed a memorandum of understanding in June concerning freedom of navigation in the strait, but implementation stalled over disagreements related to security in the strategic waterway.
Araghchi accuses Netanyahu of seeking to drag US into another war with Tehran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to drag the United States into another war with Iran to avoid imprisonment, while warning Washington against renewed military action.
“Netanyahu is driving America into another war to stay out of jail,” Araghchi wrote on the US social media platform X, accusing the Israeli leader of disregarding the consequences for Israel and US President Donald Trump.
“Last time you wanted to ‘finish the job,’ Iran emerged even stronger. Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too,” he added.
His remarks came after Trump endorsed Netanyahu a day earlier ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections, praising their partnership in confronting Iran and warning that Washington might have to take on the task itself if Israelis elected another leader.
Read More: EU calls ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant ‘binding’, urges swift enforcement
“If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work itself, and I am not inclined to do so,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, using Netanyahu’s nickname.
Netanyahu has headed the current government since late 2022, which has been described as the most right-wing in Israel’s history. He is also standing trial domestically on corruption charges that could carry prison sentences if convicted and has been wanted by the International Court of Justice since 2024 for war crimes in Gaza.
Opposition parties have intensified coordination in an effort to replace Netanyahu’s government through the ballot box.
The US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran.
Despite an April ceasefire and a framework agreement reached in June, fighting later resumed as negotiations between Washington and Tehran stalled.
