Tehran has issued a stark warning that US military bases in the region will be targeted if Washington takes military action against Iran. This comes after US President Donald Trump reportedly sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, offering two choices: negotiate a new nuclear deal or face military consequences. The escalating rhetoric raises concerns over renewed hostilities in the region.
Iran’s Response to US Warnings
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf delivered a strong message on Friday, warning that any attack on Iran’s sovereignty would ignite widespread conflict. Speaking at the annual Al-Quds Day rally, he declared, “If the Americans attack the sanctity of Iran, the entire region will blow up like a spark in an ammunition dump.” He further warned that US military bases and allied forces would not be safe in such a scenario.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump’s message as deceptive, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated that negotiations were impossible unless the US abandoned its “maximum pressure” policy. Araqchi revealed that Iran had carefully examined Trump’s letter and had responded appropriately through Oman. On Friday, he acknowledged that while the letter contained threats, it also left a window open for diplomacy, though he did not provide details.
Background: The US-Iran Nuclear Dispute
The ongoing tensions stem from Trump’s 2018 decision to unilaterally withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement between Iran and world powers that placed restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the withdrawal, the US reinstated heavy economic sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to gradually breach the deal’s enrichment limits. Western nations accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists its program is solely for civilian energy purposes.
Iran’s latest warnings underscore the broader geopolitical risks in the Middle East. A military confrontation could destabilize the region, affecting oil markets and global security. The presence of US military bases in the Gulf and Iran’s alliances with regional militias further increase the potential for conflict. While Washington has maintained its hardline stance, analysts warn that continued pressure without diplomatic engagement could push both nations closer to war.
With tensions escalating, the path forward remains uncertain. Iran’s threat of retaliation, coupled with US pressure for a new deal, leaves little room for diplomatic breakthroughs. As both sides continue their strategic opertions, the international community remains on high alert, hoping to avoid another conflict in an already volatile region.
