Updated

Senior Iranian officials warned on October 19, 2026 that any new US or Israeli military action against Iran would trigger a far more devastating response than the February war. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran emerged stronger from the earlier conflict and told Washington and Netanyahu that Tehran has "unfinished business," while armed forces chief Ali Abdollahi and IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi said Iran's missile and drone capabilities have grown at least 50 percent since the war and threatened to strike enemy energy infrastructure. The warnings coincided with an Iran International report that a limited US-Iran deal remains elusive, with analysts citing fundamental disagreements and suggesting the period after upcoming Israeli and US elections could mark a turning point toward renewed escalation. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani and presidential advisor Mohammad Mokhber also argued the conflict has left Washington facing an energy crisis and weakened global standing.