ISLAMABAD: Iran has issued a direct warning to several neighbouringcountries hosting American military installations, declaring that anyUnited States attack on Iranian soil would prompt retaliatory strikesagainst US bases located in those nations. This development comes amidheightened tensions triggered by widespread anti-government protests inIran, where the death toll has surged dramatically according to rightsgroups, and US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened militaryintervention to support the demonstrators.
The warning, conveyed through diplomatic channels, specifically targetscountries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia,which maintain significant US military presence. A senior Iranian official,speaking anonymously, revealed that Tehran has explicitly informed thesegovernments that US bases on their territory would become legitimatetargets in the event of American aggression against Iran. The message alsourges these nations to actively prevent Washington from launching any suchoperation, underscoring Iran’s strategy to isolate potential launch pointsand complicate US military planning.
This escalation follows recent statements from Iran’s parliament speaker,Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who asserted that in case of an attack, allAmerican military centres, bases and ships across the region, along withIsraeli targets referred to as occupied territory, would face retaliation.Such rhetoric builds on Iran’s long-standing doctrine of asymmetricwarfare, where it leverages proxy forces and missile capabilities to detersuperior conventional opponents. The timing coincides with reports ofpersonnel at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, a major US hub, being advised todepart, signalling immediate concerns over potential reprisals.
The backdrop to this crisis is the ongoing wave of protests across Iran,sparked initially by economic hardships including currency collapse andexacerbated by a violent security crackdown. Activists and rightsorganisations have reported the death toll approaching or exceeding 2,600in recent days, with thousands more detained. The unrest represents one ofthe most severe challenges to the Islamic Republic’s leadership in years,prompting international attention and division, particularly from theUnited States.
President Trump has openly expressed support for the protesters, describingthe situation as a potential turning point for freedom in Iran. He hasindicated that the US military is reviewing strong options, includingdirect strikes, while also noting that Iran has proposed negotiationsbehind the scenes. However, Trump’s public threats of forceful action ifthe regime continues lethal suppression have intensified fears of a broaderconflict. The administration’s posture recalls previous episodes, such asthe US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, which Irancountered with missile attacks on regional US assets.
Regional dynamics add layers of complexity to Iran’s warnings. Countrieslike the UAE and Qatar host critical US air and naval facilities essentialfor operations in the Middle East. Turkey maintains Incirlik Air Base, usedfor various US missions. By threatening these sites, Iran seeks to imposepolitical costs on host governments, potentially pressuring them to denyaccess or limit US actions. Diplomatic contacts have intensified, withIran’s security chief Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchiengaging counterparts in Qatar, the UAE and Turkey to convey Tehran’sposition and emphasise sovereignty concerns.
Analysts view this as a calculated deterrence strategy rather than animmediate intent to strike preemptively. Iran’s military capabilities,including ballistic missiles and drone technology, allow it to threatendistant targets, yet any actual attack on US bases in allied countrieswould risk massive retaliation and regional war. The warnings also servedomestic purposes, rallying support amid internal turmoil by portrayingexternal threats as justification for unity against perceived foreigninterference.
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The international community remains on edge as the situation unfolds. Whilesome US allies advocate caution to avoid destabilising the region further,others see the protests as an opportunity to weaken Iran’s regime. Oilmarkets and global energy security hang in the balance, given the strategicimportance of the Gulf. Iran’s message has injected fresh suspense into analready volatile equation, leaving observers questioning whether diplomaticbackchannels can avert escalation or if miscalculation could ignite a widerconfrontation.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/china/death-toll-iran-approaches-2600-rights-group-reports-2026-01-14
Tags: Iran, United States, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
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