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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Saturday that Iran would target U.S. military bases in the Middle East if American forces launch an attack against Tehran, escalating tensions amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between the two nations.
“It would not be possible to attack American soil, but we will target their bases in the region,” Araghchi told Al Jazeera, according to Reuters. He emphasized that Iran would not attack neighboring countries directly, but would focus on U.S. military installations. “We will not attack neighboring countries; rather, we will target U.S. bases stationed in them. There is a big difference between the two,” he added.
The foreign minister’s warning comes just one day after he characterized indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Oman as “a good start” and noted there was “consensus” that negotiations should continue. “Its continuation depends on consultations in our respective capitals and deciding on how to proceed,” Araghchi said of the diplomatic efforts.
The talks in Oman involved separate meetings between Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and representatives from both countries, including Araghchi from Iran and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner from the American delegation. Oman’s Foreign Ministry stated that the discussions centered on “preparing the appropriate conditions for resuming diplomatic and technical negotiations,” with emphasis on ensuring their success in achieving “sustainable security and stability” in the region.
This diplomatic maneuvering takes place against the backdrop of heightened military tensions. In June, the United States conducted Operation Midnight Hammer, striking nuclear facilities in Iran. Tehran responded with a retaliatory missile attack on Al-Udeid, the American airbase in Qatar, though then-President Donald Trump downplayed the impact.
“Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform at the time. “There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was ‘set free,’ because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction.”
The U.S. maintains significant military assets throughout the Middle East, with major bases in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and other regional nations. These installations serve as crucial staging areas for American military operations and provide strategic positioning in relation to Iran.
Recent satellite imagery has shown activity at Iranian nuclear sites previously bombed by U.S. and Israeli forces, raising concerns about Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and recovery efforts. The Iranian nuclear program remains a central point of contention between the United States and Iran, with Washington concerned about potential weapons development while Tehran maintains its program is for peaceful purposes.
The dual-track approach of diplomacy alongside military posturing highlights the complex relationship between the two countries. While both sides appear willing to engage in talks, neither is backing away from displays of military readiness and deterrence.
The situation in the Middle East remains precarious, with Iran’s latest statements serving as a reminder of how quickly diplomatic efforts could unravel. Regional allies and neighboring states are watching closely, as any military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran would likely have significant consequences for stability across the entire Middle East.
As consultations continue in both Washington and Tehran, the international community awaits signals on whether diplomatic channels will prevail or if military tensions will once again take center stage in the long-standing U.S.-Iran rivalry.
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6 Comments
This is a delicate and high-stakes situation. Iran’s threat to strike US bases is a risky move that could provoke a strong response. However, continued dialogue and compromise from both sides may be the best path forward to reduce tensions and find a diplomatic solution.
The saber-rattling from both sides is deeply worrying. Diplomatic progress on the nuclear talks is a positive sign, but the threat of military retaliation could easily derail those efforts. All parties must exercise maximum restraint to prevent a dangerous escalation.
Iran’s warning about targeting US bases is a concerning development. While they claim to want to avoid direct attacks on neighboring countries, this rhetoric heightens the risks of a broader military confrontation. Careful diplomacy is needed to walk back from the brink.
Tensions between Iran and the US remain high. Iran’s threat to strike US bases is a concerning escalation, though they claim they won’t target neighboring countries directly. It will be critical to see if diplomacy can de-escalate the situation.
The ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US seem to be making some progress, but the threat of military action raises the stakes significantly. Both sides will need to exercise restraint and focus on diplomatic solutions to avoid a wider conflict.
Absolutely. The potential for miscalculation or unintended escalation is very high in this volatile situation. Continued diplomatic efforts, despite the challenges, will be crucial to find a peaceful resolution.