World · Middle East · 56 mins ago
Iran warns US and Israel as vessel attacks raise shipping concerns
Iran says it has prepared a harsher response if the United States or Israel attacks again, according to Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei.
Several commercial vessels reported attacks or threats in waters near the Arabian Peninsula, including near the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
The reported incidents involved unidentified projectiles, gunfire and a rocket-propelled grenade, but the accounts do not identify who was responsible.
US President Donald Trump said he would not use nuclear weapons or send ground troops to Iran, while Iran's foreign minister said Tehran would not give up its sovereign rights under pressure but remained open to dialogue.
The rising tensions have raised concerns about shipping and energy supplies, as key maritime routes pass through the region.
Brent crude rose 3.7% to $109.86 a barrel, and US oil rose 3.5% to $101.41.
Saudi Arabia also said it intercepted missiles, including one heading toward the oil-export terminal at Yanbu; no further steps were specified.
Iran warned the United States and Israel that it had prepared a new, more destructive response if attacked again.
The warning came as several commercial vessels reported attacks or security incidents in waters around the Arabian Peninsula.
The incidents raised concerns about shipping and global energy supplies, while oil prices rose.
US President Donald Trump said he did not plan to use nuclear weapons or send ground troops to Iran.
Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted missiles and destroyed drones, including a missile heading toward the Yanbu oil export terminal.
- Who
- Iran warned the United States and Israel. Commercial vessels, Saudi Arabia and the United States were also involved in reported events.
- What
- Iran said it had prepared a new response if attacked again, as vessels reported security incidents in the region.
- When
- The warning was reported on October 18, 2026. Vessel incidents were reported on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Where
- The incidents were reported in waters near the UAE, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and in Saudi cities and regions.
- Why
- Iran said its warning was a response to the possibility of another attack. The vessel incidents raised concerns about shipping and energy supplies.
Iran
United States
Possible military action
Iran
Iran warned it had prepared a more destructive response if attacked again.
United States
Trump said he did not plan to use nuclear weapons or send ground troops to Iran.
A tanker northeast of Saudi Arabia reported being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade fired from a small boat.
An LNG tanker southwest of Yemen reported that a small boat carrying seven people approached and fired two shots.
A tugboat northeast of the UAE was hit by two unidentified projectiles, according to UKMTO.
Mohsen Rezaei said Iran had prepared a new response if attacked again.
- Tugboat incident
- Two unidentified projectiles; northeast of the UAE
- LNG tanker incident
- Small boat carrying seven people; southwest of Yemen
- Oil price
- Brent closed up 3.7% at US$109.86 a barrel
- Oil price
- WTI rose 3.5% to US$101.41 a barrel
- Saudi missile interception
- One missile was heading toward the Yanbu oil export terminal
What people are saying
Iran’s armed forces have prepared a response to any new adventurous action, which will be far more destructive than the previous 12-day war or 40-day war.
Iran’s new operational plan will not follow the rules they have known.
I will not use nuclear weapons. We do not need to. We are the biggest nuclear power in the world.