Iran threatens to target US bases if territory is attacked

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ANKARA, TÜRKIYE — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has explicitly warned that Tehran will target American military bases across the Middle East if the United States launches an attack on Iranian soil, signaling that military options remain on the table despite recent diplomatic engagements.

Speaking at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha on Feb. 7, Araghchi clarified Tehran's retaliation strategy while simultaneously leaving the door open for further nuclear negotiations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

"We will target bases in the region"

The warning follows indirect talks held in Oman on Feb. 6, which both sides described as a positive step. However, Araghchi emphasized that the threat of conflict persists.

"If Washington attacks us, it is not possible for us to attack U.S. soil, but we will target their bases in the region," Araghchi stated during an interview at the forum. The minister reiterated that while Iran considers uranium enrichment an "indispensable right," it remains ready to reach a "confidence-building" agreement with the U.S. regarding its nuclear program.

Missile program not up for negotiation

While showing flexibility on nuclear issues, Araghchi drew a hard line regarding Iran's military capabilities. He asserted that the country's missile program is "not a subject for bargaining" in any discussions with the United States.

"This is completely a defense issue for us and is not negotiable, neither now nor in the future," he added, rejecting U.S. demands to include ballistic missiles in the diplomatic agenda.

Military chief warns of "irreparable costs"

Parallel to the diplomatic messaging, Iran's military leadership issued stark warnings regarding potential escalation. Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that any aggression against Iran would lead to a broader regional conflict.

According to the Mehr News Agency, Mousavi declared on Feb. 7 that the Iranian Air Force is prepared to respond decisively to any threat. "Any military action against Iran will inflict heavy and irreparable costs on the enemies," Mousavi said, adding that such an attack would result in a "strategic defeat" for the aggressors.

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Source : BBC