Iran has issued a strong warning to United States allies in the Middle East, saying it will retaliate against US military bases in the region if Washington launches a direct attack on Tehran. The warning comes as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate.
According to officials, Tehran has formally urged regional allies of Washington to prevent any military action against Iran. A senior Iranian official said that if the US initiates an attack, American bases located in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey would become legitimate targets. The statement reflects Iran’s effort to deter foreign intervention by raising the potential regional cost.
The warning follows widespread protests across Iran, which a rights group claims have resulted in more than 2,600 deaths, along with hundreds of arrests. Iranian authorities have accused foreign intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Mossad, of backing unrest in an attempt to destabilise the country’s leadership. Officials describe the protests as one of the most serious challenges to the ruling system since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention if Iranian authorities use force against protesters. Meanwhile, direct diplomatic contact between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has been suspended.
Israeli intelligence assessments suggest Washington is considering intervention, though the timing and scale remain unclear. Analysts say any military move could significantly widen instability across the Middle East.
