In a chilling warning amidst escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, Iran's security chief has threatened to strike American military bases not only in the Middle East but also in Europe and other distant locations if they are used as launchpads for attacks on Iranian soil. The threat was made by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary-general of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, during an interview with Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen TV on Wednesday. If American aircraft take off from any military base, including those in Europe or distant regions, to bomb Iran, Tehran will retaliate by striking those bases as well, Rezaei asserted.
Iran's response to any fresh US military action would not be limited to facilities that have already come under attack, according to Rezaei. He indicated that Iran would target America's more distant military installations—including ones that have yet to be attacked. The security chief even hinted at the possibility of striking certain islands believed to be beyond the reach of Iranian missiles.
Despite diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and Pakistan, Rezaei confirmed that there are no ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington at present. He dismissed reports of secret talks in Qatar as lies and slander, intended to alleviate economic pressure and lower oil prices. The security chief also mentioned that Iran has yet to receive a clear response from Washington regarding its demands.
The current conflict between the US and Iran began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against countries in the region hosting US military assets. The conflict has also engulfed Iran-backed militant groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, widening the confrontation across the Middle East.