Iran Warns US of ‘New Strategy’ as Fighting Intensifies

Iran has warned the United States that Tehran will adopt a “new strategy” across the battlefield, diplomacy and its response to economic pressure, after the latest escalation produced the heaviest exchange of attacks between the two sides in weeks.

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued the warning on Wednesday in a post on X. He said Iran’s new approach would target what he described as the US foundations through military, diplomatic and economic measures. 

Rezaei Issues Warning to Washington

Rezaei’s remarks came after a fresh round of hostilities between Iran and the US. Iranian authorities said the country carried out attacks against American positions in several locations across the Middle East, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

The strikes followed US military operations against Iranian targets. Iranian officials said those attacks caused 18 deaths, although casualty figures and details of the strikes have been reported primarily through Iranian sources. 

The latest exchange represents a significant escalation after a period in which direct military activity between the two sides had eased.

Six-Month Conflict Enters New Phase

The renewed fighting comes roughly six months after the conflict began and has added fresh uncertainty to efforts aimed at containing the confrontation.

Iran has continued to exert pressure around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy and shipping routes. At the same time, the United States has maintained pressure on Iranian ports through what reports describe as a counter-blockade.

The developments have raised concerns about the potential impact on regional security and global energy supplies, particularly if military activity around Hormuz expands.

Iran Accuses US Over Sirik Strike

Separately, Iran's Foreign Ministry accused the United States of committing a war crime following a strike that hit a wedding gathering in the southern Iranian city of Sirik.

Iranian officials said four people, including a child, were killed and more than 50 others were wounded. The US military has said it does not target civilians, while US Central Command has accused Iran's Revolutionary Guards of conduct that puts civilians at risk. The circumstances surrounding the wedding strike remain disputed. The incident has added to diplomatic tensions as both sides exchange accusations over civilian casualties.

Trump Warns of Further Retaliation

US President Donald Trump has warned Tehran against further retaliation and said Washington could respond with greater force if Iranian attacks continue.

Trump has also said he does not expect the renewed conflict to continue for a long period. However, the latest exchange of attacks has demonstrated how quickly tensions can escalate despite indications that both sides remain interested in possible diplomatic solutions. 

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has separately indicated that Tehran would respond positively to US moves toward an agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

Wider Regional Risks Grow

The latest confrontation has extended beyond Iran and US territory, with attacks and security alerts reported across several Gulf and Middle Eastern locations.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a particularly sensitive point. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could affect international oil supplies and push up transportation and insurance costs.

Oil markets have already reacted to the renewed military activity. Reuters reported that Brent crude was trading around $95 a barrel on Thursday as investors assessed the risks to Middle Eastern supplies. 

What Iran’s ‘New Strategy’ Means

Rezaei did not provide specific operational details about the “new strategy”. His statement indicated that Tehran intends to combine military action with diplomacy and measures aimed at countering the economic pressure imposed on Iran.

For now, the warning signals that the latest escalation could mark a new phase in the US-Iran confrontation. Whether it leads to further military action or creates pressure for renewed negotiations will depend on the next moves by Washington and Tehran.