# Iran warns of new response plan as Middle East tensions spike

> A senior Iranian security official says Tehran has prepared a devastating new operational plan if the U.S. and Israel resume attacks, as shipping vessels report strikes near Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
- Title: Iran warns of new response plan as Middle East tensions spike
- Summary: A senior Iranian security official says Tehran has prepared a devastating new operational plan if the U.S. and Israel resume attacks, as shipping vessels…
- Keywords: iran, united states, israel, middle east tensions, shipping attacks, arabian peninsula, mohsen rezaei, saudi arabia, yemen, united arab emirates, business, finance
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/10/18/iran-us-war-rezaei-operational-plan-shipping-attacks.html
- Author: Azhar Sukri
- Published: 2026-10-18T13:52:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iran, united states, israel, middle east tensions, shipping attacks, arabian peninsula, mohsen rezaei, saudi arabia, yemen, united arab emirates, business, finance
## Iran prepares new response plan
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Sunday that Tehran has prepared a response to any new U.S.-Israeli attack that would be far more devastating than previous conflicts.
## Iran's plan breaks familiar rules
Rezaei said Iran's new operational plan would not follow the rules with which the U.S. and Israel are familiar, signalling a departure from previous Iranian military tactics and responses.

> Iran's new operational plan will not follow the rules with which they are familiar.
## Trump rules out nuclear weapons
President Donald Trump said last week he does not intend to use nuclear weapons against Iran or deploy ground troops, stating the U.S. is the greatest nuclear power in the world.

> I wouldn't use nuclear. We don't have to. We're the greatest nuclear power in the world.
## Iran signals openness to talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure but remains ready for dialogue with the United States.
## Vessels attacked near Arabian Peninsula
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported multiple attacks on commercial vessels near Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates over recent days, including strikes by projectiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
## Oil prices surge amid regional tensions
Brent crude hit one hundred ten dollars per barrel Friday for the first time since May before settling at one hundred nine point eighty-six dollars, a three point seven percent gain, as Middle East tensions…
## Key takeaway

Iran's security chief warned of a new response plan to any U.S.-Israeli attack, while commercial vessels reported multiple strikes in Arabian Peninsula waters amid escalating regional tensions.