CAIRO — Feb 7 (GeokHub) - Iran will target U.S. military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack by American forces, the country’s foreign minister said Saturday, stressing that such action would not be directed at host nations where the bases are located.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the remarks amid heightened tensions following a U.S. military buildup in the region and renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Araqchi said Iran and the United States have agreed to continue indirect talks after what both sides described as constructive discussions held Friday in Oman. While no date has been finalized for the next round, he said negotiations should resume soon.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated talks could take place as early as next week.
Tehran Rejects Expanded Demands
Despite signaling openness to diplomacy, Araqchi rejected U.S. efforts to broaden the scope of negotiations beyond Iran’s nuclear program.
“Any dialogue requires an end to threats and pressure,” he said, adding that Tehran would only discuss nuclear-related matters and would not negotiate issues such as missile development or regional alliances.
Washington has demanded that Iran halt uranium enrichment — which could potentially be used for nuclear weapons — end its ballistic missile program, and stop backing armed groups in the region. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons and argues that limiting its missile capabilities would leave it exposed to attack.
Warning Follows Past Confrontations
Araqchi’s comments come months after U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear facilities during the final phase of an Israeli-led bombing campaign. Iran responded at the time with missile strikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar, a country that maintains diplomatic ties with both sides.
In the event of another U.S. attack, Araqchi said Iran would respond in a similar manner.
“It would not be possible to strike American territory,” he said. “But U.S. bases in the region would be legitimate targets.”
He emphasized that Iran would not attack neighboring countries themselves, but only American military installations located within them.
Nuclear Rights at Center of Dispute
Iran has insisted that any agreement must recognize its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. Officials argue that abandoning enrichment altogether would undermine national sovereignty and security.
While diplomatic channels remain open, the sharp rhetoric highlights the fragile balance between negotiation and escalation as both sides test each other’s red lines.
