Iran Warns Regional States U.S. Bases Could Be Targeted if Washington Strikes
Tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified amid widespread domestic unrest and escalating threats from both sides. In a significant diplomatic move, Iranian authorities have warned neighboring countries that host U.S. military bases that these installations could be attacked if Washington launches military action against Tehran. Senior Iranian officials described the warnings as a preventive measure aimed at discouraging U.S. intervention while signaling Iran’s readiness to respond.
The messages were reportedly conveyed privately to governments in key regional capitals, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. Tehran has urged these states to use their influence to prevent any U.S. military strikes, effectively seeking their cooperation as a buffer to reduce the likelihood of conflict. Diplomats familiar with the matter described this as part of Iran’s broader strategy to deter direct American involvement.
The warnings come amid the largest wave of protests Iran has seen in years. Demonstrations initially sparked by economic hardships have grown into nationwide demands for political reform, spreading to more than 180 cities across all 31 provinces. The government’s response has been severe. Rights groups and monitoring organizations report thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests, as security forces have deployed lethal force to suppress protests. The full scale of casualties remains uncertain due to an ongoing internet blackout, which has significantly hampered the flow of information from inside the country.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly indicated that Washington is prepared to act if Iranian authorities proceed with executions of protestors or escalate their crackdown. In multiple statements, he warned of “very strong action” and encouraged Iranians to continue protesting and take control of institutions, suggesting that “help is on the way.” However, the precise nature of the U.S. response remains unclear. Military intervention is one option under consideration, alongside economic measures and sanctions.
In a recent move to increase pressure on Tehran, the U.S. administration announced import tariffs of 25 percent on goods from countries that maintain business ties with Iran. The State Department also urged American citizens in Iran to leave immediately, reflecting heightened concerns about potential instability and the risks posed to U.S. personnel in the region.
The U.S. military has begun adjusting its posture in response to the escalating situation. Some personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — a key forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command — were advised to leave as a precautionary measure. Officials emphasized that this was not a full evacuation, but rather a temporary repositioning to enhance readiness while maintaining operational capability.
Diplomatic channels between Iran and the United States have also been curtailed. Direct communications between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. special envoys have been suspended, reducing the avenues for immediate de-escalation. Iranian officials have framed these steps as necessary for national security amid growing threats.
Internally, the Iranian government has sought to demonstrate control amid the unrest. The judiciary has called for rapid trials and decisive punishment for those accused of violent acts during protests, emphasizing a swift and strict approach. Human rights organizations report thousands of arrests, and some demonstrators face death sentences, though independent verification is challenging due to restricted information flows within the country.
Iran’s current posture reflects both domestic and regional considerations. While the regime has weathered previous protests, the combination of ongoing internal dissent, economic pressure, and weakened regional influence has pushed Tehran to adopt a more confrontational approach. The government is keen to signal that any external interference will meet serious consequences, while also asserting that it retains control domestically.
Regional powers are watching the developments closely. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are cautious, seeking to avoid escalation that could destabilize the broader region and disrupt energy markets. Turkey, which has historically played a mediating role, remains wary of being drawn into a potential conflict. Diplomats indicate that all sides are attempting to navigate the crisis carefully, balancing deterrence with the risk of unintended escalation.
The combination of internal unrest, heightened U.S. threats, and Tehran’s warnings to regional states has created a highly volatile environment in the Middle East. Analysts warn that miscalculations could trigger broader conflict, with consequences extending far beyond Iran and its immediate neighbors. While diplomatic channels and economic measures continue to operate behind the scenes, the situation remains tense, with both Tehran and Washington seeking to assert their positions without triggering an open confrontation.
