Doha, Qatar – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that any overt act of aggression by the United States would result in Iranian strikes against American military bases in the Middle East, , state media reported. The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, and as nuclear talks have recently shifted to Oman.
“If the U.S. Attacks Iran, we will target American bases in the region because they are easily accessible targets,” Araghchi stated during the 17th Doha Forum in Qatar. He emphasized that Tehran would limit its response to locations hosting U.S. Military installations, and would not target neighboring countries.
Araghchi’s comments underscore Iran’s preparedness to respond forcefully to any perceived threat. He affirmed that the Iranian armed forces are “fully prepared to respond decisively at any time to any act of aggression.” This declaration follows recent warnings from Iranian officials regarding potential retaliation for attacks, and a demonstration of military readiness through naval drills conducted near U.S. Warships, .
The Iranian Foreign Minister reiterated that Tehran’s ballistic missile program is non-negotiable, characterizing it as a purely defensive matter outside the scope of any potential negotiations. This position reflects a long-held stance by Iranian authorities, who view the missile program as crucial for deterring potential adversaries.
The escalating rhetoric coincides with a bolstering of the U.S. Military presence in the Middle East. According to reports, the U.S. Has positioned aircraft, naval vessels, and logistical platforms throughout the region, including at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base Aoi Two in Jordan. A research associate with the Center for a New American Security, Philip Sheers, noted that this military buildup suggests preparations for a range of potential strike options, though he cautioned that positioning alone does not indicate an imminent strike.
The shift in nuclear talks from Istanbul to Oman, brokered after lobbying from several Arab country leaders, highlights the regional concern surrounding the escalating tensions. The talks, focused on restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, are taking place against a backdrop of increasing distrust and mutual accusations. The U.S. Military has also issued a warning to Iran, stating it will not tolerate “unsafe” maneuvers, particularly flights over U.S. Warships.
In , Iranian officials warned they would strike U.S. Military bases and aircraft carriers “without delay” if attacked, raising fears of a wider conflict. A spokesperson for the Iranian military stated that U.S. Aircraft carriers had “serious vulnerabilities” and that American bases across the Gulf were within range of Iranian missiles. This warning followed a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump that “time is running out” for Tehran, and the European Union’s designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group.
The potential for regional chaos is a significant concern. A Gulf official, speaking anonymously, warned that a U.S. Strike would destabilize the region and have severe economic consequences, including a surge in oil and gas prices. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged renewed nuclear talks to prevent “a crisis with devastating consequences for the region.”
The current situation represents a dangerous escalation in a region already fraught with instability. The interplay of military posturing, diplomatic efforts, and increasingly assertive rhetoric underscores the fragility of the current situation and the potential for miscalculation. The outcome of the nuclear talks in Oman will be closely watched by the international community, as a failure to reach an agreement could further exacerbate tensions and increase the risk of conflict.
The Iranian warning to target U.S. Bases is not a new development, but the explicit articulation of this threat, coupled with the recent military buildup and shifting diplomatic landscape, adds a new layer of urgency to the situation. The focus on easily accessible targets – U.S. Military bases – suggests a calculated strategy designed to deter potential U.S. Action while minimizing the risk of escalating the conflict beyond a direct response to an attack on Iranian territory.
The Iranian position on its missile program remains a key obstacle to any broader agreement. Tehran views the program as essential for its defense and has repeatedly stated its unwillingness to negotiate over it. This stance is likely to complicate efforts to revive the nuclear deal, as the U.S. And its allies have sought to address Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities as part of any comprehensive agreement.
