Iran's army chief says forces are ready to counter "enemy" aggression

• Major-General Amir Hatami, Iran's army commander, says the country's forces are ready to face any renewed US or ‘Israeli’ attack.
• Concern is growing across the Middle East that the US may launch new strikes, with the nearly seven-month war stuck in a stalemate.
• Trump says he is in a "deciding mode" and that his options include "wiping it out", economic pressure, or a peace deal.
• Trump says he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week.

The commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran's army, Major-General Amir Hatami, has said that the country's armed forces are "fully prepared, vigilant, and ready" to confront any fresh attack launched by the United States or ‘Israel’.

Iranian state media quoted Hatami as saying, "We will not hesitate for a moment to defend Iran's independence, security, and territorial integrity." He also pointed out that the military had earlier "defended the country's existence and territorial integrity in the face of enemy's aggression".

His remarks come as anxiety grows across the Middle East that Washington may carry out new military strikes on Iran, with the war, now close to seven months old, stuck in a stalemate.

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump described himself as being in a "deciding mode" on Iran. He said the choices before him include "wiping it out", applying economic pressure, or reaching a peace deal.

Trump added that he would be willing to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the margins of this week's United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

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