Iran has warned that it would retaliate against U.S. military bases across the Middle East if American forces launch an attack, stressing that such actions should not be interpreted as strikes on host countries.
Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said any response would be limited to U.S. military installations, not neighboring states where those bases are located.
Araqchi’s remarks came a day after Iran and the United States agreed to continue indirect negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, following what both sides described as constructive talks held in Oman. While no date has been finalized for the next round, Araqchi said both Tehran and Washington want discussions to resume soon. U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested the talks could take place as early as next week.
Tensions remain high amid a U.S. military buildup in the region. Trump has warned of potential military action unless Iran agrees to halt uranium enrichment, curb its ballistic missile program, and end support for armed groups across the Middle East. Tehran has consistently rejected accusations that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
Araqchi pushed back against expanding the scope of negotiations, saying Iran would only engage in talks related to its nuclear program. “Any dialogue requires refraining from threats and pressure,” he said, adding that Tehran would not discuss missile development or regional policies with Washington.
The warning echoes events from last year, when the U.S. carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during the final phase of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Iran later said it had paused uranium enrichment and responded with a missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, a country that maintains diplomatic ties with both Tehran and Washington.
Araqchi said a similar response could follow any future U.S. attack. “We cannot strike American territory, but U.S. bases in the region would be legitimate targets,” he said. “There is a clear distinction between attacking bases and attacking host nations.”
Iran has repeatedly said it wants international recognition of its right to enrich uranium and argues that placing its missile program on the negotiating table would leave it exposed to potential attacks from Israel.