Tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified sharply after Tehran issued a direct warning that any American military attack would be met with retaliatory strikes on US military bases across the Middle East. The warning comes amid growing speculation over possible US intervention and heightened regional instability.
Iranian officials confirmed that formal messages have been conveyed to several US allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Turkey, cautioning that American military installations on their territories could become legitimate targets if Washington launches an attack on Iran. Tehran has urged these countries to play an active role in restraining the United States from pursuing military action.
The escalation follows recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who publicly addressed Iranian protesters and hinted at potential US involvement, further fueling uncertainty over Washington’s next move. While US officials have not announced a final decision on military action, multiple reports suggest preparations are underway for various contingencies.
Iran Signals Military Readiness and Strategic Response
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh stated that Iran possesses multiple “strategic surprises” and emphasized that any act of aggression would receive a swift, decisive, and proportionate response. He reiterated that Iran remains open to diplomacy but is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has intensified diplomatic outreach, holding urgent consultations with regional counterparts to highlight the risks of escalation and to communicate Iran’s defensive posture. Officials say Iran has made it clear that while it prefers dialogue, it will not hesitate to retaliate if attacked.
Precautionary Moves by the US and Allies
Following Iran’s warnings, reports emerged that some US personnel were temporarily relocated from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military facility in the Middle East. The move was described as precautionary rather than a full evacuation. Earlier, US authorities also advised American citizens in Iran to leave the country, signaling rising concern over potential conflict.
Regional governments, particularly in the Gulf, are reportedly worried about the broader fallout of a military confrontation, including disruption to global energy supplies and instability in key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes.
Also Read: US may strike Iran within 24 hours: International Media
Key US Military Bases Potentially at Risk
Qatar
- Al Udeid Air Base: Forward headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM), coordinating air operations across the Middle East and supporting missions in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Kuwait
- Camp Arifjan: Major logistical hub and forward headquarters for US Army Central.
- Ali Al Salem Air Base: Strategically located near Iraq, critical for air operations.
Bahrain
- NSA Bahrain / US Fifth Fleet HQ: Oversees naval operations in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
United Arab Emirates
- Al Dhafra Air Base: Supports joint US-UAE missions, intelligence surveillance, and counterterrorism operations.
Iraq
- Ain Al-Asad Air Base: Supports Iraqi forces and NATO missions; previously targeted by Iranian missile strikes in 2020.
- Erbil Air Base: Key hub for intelligence sharing, training, and coalition operations.
Saudi Arabia
- Prince Sultan Air Base: Hosts advanced Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems.
Jordan
- Muwaffaq Salti Air Base: Home to a US Air Expeditionary Wing supporting operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey
- Incirlik Air Base: Strategic NATO hub linking Europe and the Middle East; central to anti-ISIS operations.
- Kürecik (Korcuk) Radar Station: Advanced missile detection facility supporting NATO’s missile defense network.
Also Read: US may strike Iran, Trump warns
Iran’s Military Capabilities
According to Global Firepower 2025, Iran ranks as the third-largest military force in the Middle East and 16th globally. The country maintains:
- Over 610,000 active military personnel
- 551 aircraft, including 113 fighter jets
- 1,713 tanks
- 107 naval vessels
Defense analysts note that Iran’s short- and medium-range missile systems are capable of reaching US military bases in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE, making the region highly vulnerable in the event of escalation.
Regional Implications
Security experts warn that rising US-Iran tensions place American military installations at the center of regional risk calculations. Any military confrontation could rapidly widen, impacting regional stability, global oil markets, and international security dynamics.
