‘The world will be amazed’: Iran’s commanders prepare for further war

In a report published on 18 October, CNN said Iranian commanders had spent the previous month making public statements claiming that the country had accumulated new weapons and was preparing to expand its targets if hostilities resumed.

The warnings come amid a prolonged confrontation between Tehran and Washington, which escalated after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Although diplomatic efforts have continued, deep disagreements over sanctions, maritime security and Iran’s nuclear programme have left the prospect of a lasting settlement uncertain.

Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reportedly warned late last month that Iran had new targets that had not previously been attacked. He added: “The world will be amazed.”

Iranian officials have also raised the possibility of targeting infrastructure beyond conventional military installations. According to CNN, the potential targets mentioned in their warnings include undersea internet cables, artificial intelligence data centres and oil and gas facilities across the region.

Such threats could have consequences beyond the immediate conflict, particularly if attacks disrupt international communications, energy supplies or commercial shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major source of concern because it is a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. Recent attacks on vessels in the waterway have heightened security concerns and contributed to uncertainty in energy markets.

The United States, meanwhile, has continued to consider its military options. A report by Axios on 7 October, citing American officials, said the Pentagon had been instructed to prepare for the possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran. The report did not identify a confirmed date for any new offensive.

Despite the increasingly hostile rhetoric, public threats do not necessarily mean that another major military operation is imminent. The statements may also be intended to deter Washington from launching further strikes and strengthen Tehran’s position in negotiations.

For now, the situation remains uncertain, with military preparations, threats and diplomatic contacts continuing in parallel. Any renewed fighting could widen the conflict and put regional security, global energy supplies and international communications at further risk.