Iran has issued a stark warning that it would attack U.S. military bases in the Middle East if American forces launch a military strike against the country, according to senior Iranian officials. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would not target neighboring countries but would retaliate directly against U.S. installations stationed in those states in the event of an assault.
The warning came as Iranian and U.S. officials wrapped up indirect nuclear talks in Oman, which Tehran described as a “good start” toward resuming diplomatic engagement. Despite diplomatic progress, Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s red lines and insisted that threats of force must be dropped for meaningful negotiations to proceed.
U.S. military presence across the Gulf and wider Middle East has expanded in recent weeks amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and regional influence. Washington has demanded Tehran curb these activities, and has deployed naval and air assets to project deterrence. Analysts say the situation remains fragile, with diplomatic talks offering a possible de-escalation path even as military posturing continues.
Iran’s warning echoes earlier threats from senior officials that American bases in the region would be legitimate targets if Iran faced military action. The statement has heightened concerns about a potential escalation that could draw in multiple regional actors and destabilize an already volatile Middle East landscape.
