Islamabad, 22 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Iran has warned that it could target undersea internet cables, data centres and artificial intelligence facilities linked to the United States if war breaks out again, as Tehran announced the suspension of negotiations with Washington amid escalating regional tensions. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei issued the warning on Thursday, signalling the possibility of expanding any future conflict to critical digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its naval forces had targeted four oil-carrying vessels in the northern Arabian Gulf, accusing them of transferring oil cargoes between ships while travelling along unauthorised routes. The IRGC said fires were still burning on the targeted vessels and alleged that the United States was encouraging ships to navigate through a maritime passage planted with mines, contributing to an increase in maritime incidents. It warned that continued US actions could prompt Iran to expand its response to American military bases across the region. The IRGC also reported that three additional vessels had collided with mines west of the Strait of Hormuz. In Washington, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States was not negotiating with Iran, adding that developments would occur “fairly soon.” Speaking to reporters after returning from a rally in South Carolina, Trump said the situation could move in one direction or another in the near future. He also claimed that the United States had defeated Iran militarily and financially, reiterating that Tehran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Trump further stated that Washington could end the war but wanted to ensure that any outcome would endure. Meanwhile, a report by The New York Times said US and Israeli military officials had developed plans for possible renewed strikes against Iran following the US midterm elections. According to the report, preparations included intensified military exercises and flights over Iraq to practise potential strike manoeuvres. Possible targets reportedly included Iranian nuclear facilities, missile and drone capabilities, and energy infrastructure. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also reportedly discussed potential military action during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. The report noted, however, that it remained uncertain whether Trump would approve any new strikes. A White House official declined to comment on military plans that might or might not exist. Separately, a senior Iranian security official warned that US political assets and infrastructure belonging to countries participating in a renewed war against Iran could be considered legitimate targets if Iranian officials were assassinated or civilians killed. According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, the official said Tehran viewed the diplomatic gestures of Washington with suspicion and believed another US-Israeli attack was possible. The official also criticised remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Athens, which Tehran interpreted as providing historical and civilisational justification for the conflict. The Iranian official further alleged that Israel had a dominant influence over Washington’s Middle East policy, arguing that this was undermining prospects for a diplomatic settlement. The developments have heightened concerns over the possibility of renewed military confrontation, with threats to maritime security, regional military installations and critical digital infrastructure adding further uncertainty to an already volatile situation.