ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has issued a firm warningthat Tehran would target American military bases across the Middle East inthe event of a US attack on Iranian territory. Speaking in an interviewwith Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera on Saturday, Araqchi emphasized thatsuch actions would not constitute aggression against the host nations butwould focus solely on US installations. This statement comes amidheightened regional tensions following recent indirect nuclear negotiationsbetween Tehran and Washington in Oman, where both sides describeddiscussions as positive and agreed to continue talks soon.
The remarks highlight Iran’s defensive posture as US forces havesignificantly massed in the region, including key air bases and navalassets. Araqchi clarified that Iran lacks the capability to strike Americansoil directly but possesses the means to retaliate against nearby USmilitary presences. He drew a clear distinction, stating there is asubstantial difference between targeting foreign bases and attackingsovereign countries hosting them, aiming to reassure Gulf states whileunderscoring Tehran’s resolve.
The warning follows Friday’s indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, mediated byOmani officials. Iranian and US delegations, led by Araqchi and US specialenvoy Steve Witkoff alongside Jared Kushner, engaged in what both describedas constructive exchanges focused exclusively on Iran’s nuclear program.President Donald Trump characterized the discussions as very good andindicated another round could occur early the following week, reflecting amutual interest in de-escalation despite ongoing threats.
Araqchi noted no specific date has been finalized for the next session,though both sides expressed optimism for prompt resumption. He describedthe Oman meeting as a good start toward building trust but stressed thatsignificant challenges remain. Iran insists its uranium enrichmentactivities represent an inalienable right under international law, whilerejecting any expansion of talks to include its ballistic missile program,which Tehran deems non-negotiable.
US demands center on Iran renouncing uranium enrichment beyond civilianlevels, halting ballistic missile development, and ceasing support forregional armed groups. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action ifthese conditions are unmet, amid a naval buildup including aircraftcarriers and fighter jets positioned in the Arabian Sea and Gulf. Thisposture follows earlier US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during a12-day conflict in 2025, heightening mutual suspicions.
Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and denies intentions todevelop weapons. Araqchi’s comments aim to deter potential US aggression bysignaling readiness for proportional response. He reiterated that Iranseeks diplomacy but will not yield under pressure or threats, framing thecurrent impasse as stemming from Washington’s history of sanctions andmilitary interventions.
The US maintains a substantial military footprint in the Middle East tosupport operations and deter threats. In the United Arab Emirates, AlDhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi serves as a major hub for the US Air Force’s380th Air Expeditionary Wing, hosting reconnaissance, fighter aircraft, andapproximately 3,500 to 5,000 personnel for regional missions. The basesupports surveillance and strike capabilities critical to US CentralCommand activities.
In Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh hosts around 2,700US troops, focusing on air defense with Patriot and THAAD missile systems.These installations, along with others in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, forma network of joint facilities used for logistics, intelligence, and rapidresponse. Recent reinforcements, including carrier strike groups,underscore Washington’s commitment to regional security amid Iran-relatedconcerns.
Gulf nations hosting these bases express apprehension over potentialescalation, fearing Iranian retaliation could draw them into conflictdespite Araqchi’s assurances. Diplomatic efforts by Qatar, Oman, and othershave urged restraint to prevent broader instability. The interplay ofmilitary posturing and nuclear diplomacy remains delicate, with anymiscalculation risking wider confrontation.
Observers note that while talks offer a pathway to de-escalation, deepmistrust persists from past violations and recent hostilities. Iran’semphasis on limited retaliation targets aims to isolate US forces withoutalienating allies, potentially pressuring Washington toward compromise. Thecoming weeks will test whether diplomacy can prevail over confrontation inthis volatile region.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/if-us-attacks-iran-says-it-will-strike-us-bases-region-2026-02-07
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